Reducingyour risk of blood clots

There are things you and the medical professionals looking after you can do before, during and after your hospital stay to minimise your risk of developing a blood clot.

Before coming into hospital

You can help yourself before coming into hospital by:

  • trying to lose anyexcess weight
  • keeping as mobile as you can
  • talking to your doctor if you take HRT or the combined contraceptive pill you may need to stop them a few weeks before your operation

While in hospital

While you're in hospital, you will reduce your chances of a blood clot if you:

  • drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated
  • wear your compression stockings day and night (except when you're washing)
  • wear any other compression devices you've been given
  • take any blood-thinning medicines you've been offered
  • get up and move around as soon as you're advised to

After leaving hospital

You're still at risk of developing a blood clot in the days and weeks after leaving hospital, so you might be advised to continue preventative measures for a short period. Your care team will discuss this with you before you are discharged.

You may be given compression stockings to wear until you are fully mobile, and you may need to keep using anticoagulants for several weeks. You should also take care to stay as mobile as possible and keep yourself well hydrated.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dez 2018