Deep vein thrombosis develops when there are blood clots within the deep veins of the legs or other areas of the body. When this happens, the blood flow in the veins slows down and causes the vein to swell. If a piece of a clot breaks free and moves through the blood vessels to the lungs, it results in serious complications, which can be fatal. It is important to be aware of the factors that can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

As well as to undertake certain measures for its prevention accordingly in the following instances:

1. Before and after surgery

Surgical procedures and certain medical treatments can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. So, your risk of developing a blood clot and the kind of preventive measures to be taken should be assessed by the healthcare team:

• There’s less risk of getting deep vein thrombosis when local anesthesia is administered instead of general anesthesia.
• Certain preventive medications may be prescribed by the doctor to prevent the formation of blood clots before or after surgery. You also may be asked to stop certain medications before surgery.
• Special elastic stockings or inflatable boots are usually provided by the hospital. These devices squeeze the muscles of the legs in order to keep the steady circulation of the blood. It helps to raise your feet or the foot of your bed. However, any kind of surgical stockings can be used only on your physician’s advice.
• You may be advised to get up and walk around soon after the procedure. However, ensure to take this slow and steady. You might want to take someone’s help initially before you walk on your own.
• Care should be taken to drink plenty of fluids so that you don’t get dehydrated.
• You may be advised to continue to take anticoagulant medicine and wear compression stockings when you leave the hospital to avoid the development of any blood clot, weeks after your discharge.

2. During pregnancy

Medication or other treatments may be prescribed for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis. You should inform your doctor in case you have any of the following risk factors:

• Any family history of deep vein thrombosis
• If there’s an inherited thrombophilia
• Any complications during an earlier cesarean section.

3. During long-distance travel

When planning a long-distance trip, the following prevention steps are recommended, especially if you are pregnant or have other risk factors for deep vein thrombosis:

• Drink lots of fluids and water.
• Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol as it can dehydrate your body.
• Avoid taking sleeping pills because they can cause immobility which is very risky.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing.
• Avoid long periods of sitting still. Walk and stretch at regular intervals. Take occasional short walks whenever possible.
• Perform simple leg exercises,  such as regularly flexing your ankles, heel-toe exercises or circle your feet if you cannot move around.
• Wear elastic compression stockings.

4. Other contributors for DVT

Extra care should also be taken if you’re suffering from any of these conditions:

• Cancer and undergoing cancer therapy
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Kidney disorders
• Varicose veins
• Past history of deep vein thrombosis
• Thrombophilia
• Obesity