Preventing blood clots can reduce a person’s risk of stroke, heart attack, or a pulmonary embolism. Awareness of lifestyle choices that increase risk include being overweight or obese, smoking, or inactivity. To reduce the risk of developing blood clots, following some blood clot prevention tips can lead to positive changes.
Blood clots that form in an artery or vein have the potential to interrupt or even prevent normal blood flow that supplies the body’s muscles, organs, and tissues with oxygen and nutrients. Any blockage of this ability can lead to damage not only to tissues and organs but interrupt their function. Blood clots are formed when the blood thickens and becomes more gel-like in substance than a liquid. While blood clotting is a desired function of the body following injury to any blood vessel, blood clots that don’t resolve on their own can lead to serious dangers to health and body functions.
Blood Clot Prevention Tips
In order to prevent blood clots that pose danger to life or limb, follow some simple yet effective tips to reduce risks.
Exercise – Regular activity or exercise reduces the risk of thick or sluggish blood flow, especially in the lower limbs. This is especially important for those who have sedentary jobs or lifestyles. Avoiding long periods of immobility keeps the blood pumping. Even when sitting, ankle rotations and seated Exercises can prove beneficial to maintain adequate blood flow.
Don’t smoke – Nicotine and other chemicals and toxins found in cigarettes can increase damage to blood vessels lining, which encourages blood platelets to clot at those locations.
Maintain a healthy weight – Individuals who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of developing blood clots over those who maintain a normal weight. Obesity has a negative influence on fibrinolysis, a process in the body that breaks down clots and prevents inflammation of blood vessel linings. Obesity also leads to less mobility and thickening of the blood, interrupting normal flow through veins and arteries.
Diet – A healthy diet also has a huge influence on preventing the formation of blood clots. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like certain types of fish and dark green leafy vegetables contain nutrients that control inflammation that can negatively affect lining of blood vessels and trigger blot clot formation.
Hydration – consuming adequate amounts of water on a daily basis are also recommended in order to prevent thickening, sluggish blood. For healthy individuals, a recommended daily consumption of 4 to 6 cups of water will prove beneficial in maintaining adequate hydration that promotes not only adequate blood flow, but maintain optimal body functioning.
Stay on Top of your Health
Blood clot prevention tips also include staying on top of medical issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure. While blood clotting is a natural and needed process in the body, abnormal blood clots can lead to life-threatening issues. Regular checkups and routine bloodwork panels can help you maintain optimal vascular health. If something in your body feels ‘off’ consult your primary healthcare provider.