A doctor from the US told how to identify and prevent thrombosis

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Blood clots in the veins – especially those that break off and travel to the lungs – can be fatal, and their number is increasing. However, many adults are unaware of their risks or of the growing evidence that healthy habits can help prevent blood clots.

Venous Thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes two types of clots: deep vein thrombosis, called DVT, usually in the leg, and pulmonary embolism, or phlebitis, when a DVT breaks off and lodges in the lungs, often resulting in death.

Obesity and lack of physical activity have long been linked to a higher risk of blood clots, along with family history, certain genetic factors, and previous episodes of blood clotting. Some of this risk can be reduced through lifestyle changes.

“The impact of physical activity and a healthy weight on reducing the risk of blood clots in people with a high genetic risk was even greater than I could have imagined,” said Cushman. “If you have a high genetic risk of venous thromboembolism and you do one to three rounds of physical activity per week (enough to work up a sweat), you will have a 28% lower risk of developing blood clots. And, if your body mass index was less than 25, compared with someone who is obese (BMI greater than 30), your risk will be 45% lower,” says Dr. Mary Cushman from the US.

Cushman urges people to know the symptoms of VTE. These include swelling, pain or heaviness in the legs, red streaks or other skin discoloration, and skin that becomes hot to the touch.

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain, and a fast heart rate.