Preventing Pulmonary Embolisms And Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) 
For Patients with and without a history oF Blood Clots
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What Is The Risk That I Will Have Another Pulmonary Embolism?

This is one of  the most common questions that a patient has after a pulmonary embolism diagnosis.  According to the book 100 Questions and Answers About Deep Vein Thrombosis And Pulmonary Embolism, if your blood clot occurred due to surgery or trauma, then the probability that you will have a second clot that may lead to a pulmonary embolism is very low.  For people who had an apparently spontaneous pulmonary embolism, the probability is much higher.  A person who has a clot without any known risk factors has a 30% chance of having a second clot within ten years.  The probability of a clot is higher if you have thrombophilia, cancer, or any other risk factors for pulmonary embolism.

Knowing Your Risk

The best treatment for pulmonary embolism is prevention.  In this article we will be reviewing methods to prevent venous blood clots like a pulmonary embolism or DVT.  Often you will see this referred to as "blood clot hygiene".  As you read, you will find out that blood clots are very easy for most people to avoid.  Even if you have a number of risk factors, you can take steps that can significantly lessen the chacnes or getting a clot.  These tips can be used by people with or without any type of clotting conditions.  You can use them to avoid having your first clot or your fifty-second clot.  Discuss this information with your doctor and share it with friends and neighbors.  Lets do what we can reduce the number of people that are impacted by this deadly disease by learning about and sharing blood clot prevention techniques.  

In order to prevent a pulmonary embolism, one should start by understanding the things that put a person at an increased risk of this type of clot (a venous thromboembolism).   Before we get into that information, make sure that you have read Pulmonary Embolism and Blood Clotting 101.  These articles will help you to fully understand pulmonary embolism risk factors.

Can I Have Another Pulmonary Embolism Or DVT While On Anticoagulation?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes.  Anticoagulation therapy (warfarin, Lovenox, heparin) greatly reduces the possibility of clots but it does not totally prevent your body from forming clots.  This is a good thing because if you cut yourself, you want a clot to form in order to stop the bleeding.  The risk of a clot is MUCH lower while on therapy; however, if you think you have an additional clot, go to the emergency room immediately.  They will do some testing to rule out the possibility of new clots.
Things That Increase The Chance Of Having A Pulmonary Embolism, DVT, Or Other Venous Blood Clot:
  • Having had a pulmonary embolism
  • Having had a DVT
  • Having a clotting condition (thrombophilia) such as Factor V Leiden, Protein C Deficiency, or APS.
  • Pregnancy
  • The 6 weeks after a pregnancy
  • Being at least 60 years old
  • Being  bedridden
  • Surgery
  • Having a broken bone
  • Certain diseases (stroke, cancer, paralysis, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, atrial fibrillation, and others
  • Hormone use (oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, infertility treatments)
  • Long airplane flights
  • Sitting still for 2 hours or more
  • Obesity
  • Having multiple risk factors

How To Prevent A Pulmonary Embolism Or DVT

Take a look at the list of risk factors.  You will notice that the risk factors fall into a few distinct groups:
  • Sitting still or being immobile for long periods of time
  • Hormones use
  • Illness or surgery
  • Age or health condition

This list of four types of risks can then be divided into things that we have control over and the things that we don't have control over.  

If the risk factor is something that we can change such as weight, prescription hormone use, or sitting still for long periods of time, then consider changing how you are doing something to avoid that risk factor.  Maybe you want to change your medication, loose weight, or take breaks while doing long car trips.  If you have no control over the risk or if the risk is necessary, you can think about following the clot prevention hygiene ideas that are mentioned below.  You may want to ask about using anticoagulants or anti embolism stockings to help prevent the risks that are out of your control

When To Talk To Your Doctor

If you have a history of clots it will be important for you to check in with your doctor periodically.  This is especially important if you decide that you do not want to be on lifelong anticoagulation therapy.  Here is a list of times when you will want to speak with your doctor(s) about your clots:
  • If you decide to become pregnant or if you are pregnant
  • If you will be having surgery
  • If you develop a new disease such as cancer or inflammatory bowel disease
  • If you will be taking a long haul airplane flight or cross country car trip
  • If you are bedridden or hospitalized
  • If you need birth control
  • If you have additional clots of any type
  • If you have symptoms of a new clot
  • If you are seeking treatment for menopause symptoms

Movement Can Prevent Blood Clots

Movement is one of the best things that you can do to prevent clots.  Anytime that you are sitting still for over two hours you are at a much greater risk for a pulmonary embolism.  If you have an office job or a driving job, make sure to take breaks to get up and walk for a bit.  If you are traveling long distances, set a timer for two hours and get out of the car to walk and stretch.  If you have a GPS, it may over driving break suggestions.  TomTom units all have this feature and can be found in the Clot Spot store.

Avoid Using Hormones

Using hormones can cause blood clots.  Combined oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and some hormone therapies that are used to treat certain cancers can all be a problem.  Use extreme caution when it comes to hormone use.  

Click here if you need more information about birth control after a pulmonary embolism.

Graduated Compression Stockings

Graduated compression stockings can help to prevent pulmonary embolisms.  You can wear them while you travel, when you will be stationary for periods or time, if you are on the hospital, and sometimes even if you have surgery.  There are different strengths of these stockings.  Most people need the low to medium strength stockings.  Make sure that they fit well and do not bind or restrict blood flow.  If you want the best fit, see if there is a home medical equipment provider in your area that carries and fits these stockings.  Speak to your doctor if you have questions.

You can find graduated compression stockings in our store.

Other Things You Can Do To Avoid Clots

  • Stay hydrated, especially when traveling by airplane or when you are sick.  Electrolytic beverages like Pedialyte or Gatorade are your best option.  You can take powdered Gatorade on the plane with you and mix with water that you purchase once you clear security.  (Find it in our store under other useful items.)
  • If you see possible signs of a deep vein thrombosis, do not touch that vein.  Go to the emergency room.
  • Loose weight.  Excess weight can cause many health problems including pulmonary embolisms.
  • Stop smoking.  Smoking increases the risk of pulmonary embolisms and other blood clots.