Preventing Blood Clots

A blood clot can be very serious or even deadly. When a blood clot forms in a vein, often in your leg, it is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When a blood clot travels from a vein in your leg or other parts of the body to your lung, it is called a pulmonary embolism.

Who is at risk?

People who sit still or have to lie down for long periods are more likely to be at risk for a DVT. This includes:

• People who travel often, especially on long flights or car/bus rides
• People who are older than 40
• Women who take birth control pills
• People in the hospital for surgery or who are confined to their bed for more than two days
• Women who are pregnant or have just had a baby
• People who have had a stroke
• People who are receiving treatment for cancer
• People who've broken a leg or another bone
• People who've had a blood clot in the past
• People with a history of a clotting disorder

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What are the signs and symptoms of a blood clot in either a vein or in the lung?

People who may have a DVT might feel or see:

• Leg cramping or skin that is tender to a light touch
• Swelling
• Warm skin
• Redness of the skin
• Pain near the vein
• A vein that looks blue

People who may have a pulmonary embolism may:

• Have a hard time breathing
• Feel chest pains
• Feel lightheaded
• Feel their heart beating hard or fast
• Cough up blood

How can I prevent blood clots?

• During long flights or car rides
  • Get up and walk around once per hour
  • Flex your feet or squeeze your toes for 15 seconds every hour
  • Wear compression stockings
• Take blood thinners prescribed by your doctor

See also:

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Related support groups

• Surgery (228 questions, 928 members)
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AHFS® Patient Medication Information is used with permission. ©2025, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. (ASHP). The ASHP Data is a part of the AHFS Drug Information®️; ASHP is not responsible for the accuracy of transpositions from the original context.