Thrombosis: What It Is, How to Recognize It, and Reduce Your Risk
Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms inside a blood vessel and interferes with normal blood flow. One important type is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), usually occurring in a deep vein of the leg. A clot can sometimes travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be life-threatening.
Common warning signs of DVT
- Swelling in one leg, ankle, or foot
- Pain, tenderness, or cramping, often in the calf
- Warmth in the affected area
- Redness or discoloration
- Sometimes, there are no obvious symptoms
Signs of a pulmonary embolism 🚨
Seek emergency medical care immediately for sudden shortness of breath, chest pain (particularly pain that worsens with breathing), coughing up blood, rapid heartbeat, severe dizziness, or fainting.
How to reduce your risk
There isn’t a proven “natural cure” for an existing blood clot. However, several healthy habits can reduce risk:
- Move regularly: Avoid sitting still for long periods. On long trips, get up and walk periodically and move your ankles and legs.
- Stay adequately hydrated, especially during travel or illness.
- Maintain a healthy weight and remain physically active.
- Don’t smoke.
- After surgery, hospitalization, or a major injury, follow your clinician’s advice about clot prevention.
- If you’ve previously had a clot or have other risk factors, ask a healthcare professional whether you need medical prevention such as compression stockings or medication.
Important: Don’t massage a swollen or painful leg if a clot is possible, and don’t try to treat suspected thrombosis with herbs, supplements, or extra aspirin on your own. A suspected clot needs proper medical assessment.
