Prevention of DVT - optimal ways to prevent getting a DVT

When thinking about prevention of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it is useful to consider the person and their activities.

For instance a child has a very low risk of deep vein thrombosis no matter what situation they are in.

The older we get the more likely a deep vein thrombosis is.

Also, different situations put us at higher or lower risk - for instance being operated on under general anaesthetic, having cancer or taking long-haul flights all put us at higher risk of a DVT.

General prevention of DVT

For people in general, who have no risk factors for DVT or family history of DVT, the simple advice for DVT prevention in normal life can be summarised as:

• keep mobile
• avoid long periods of inactivity
• keep well hydrated, making sure that drinks with caffeine or alcohol in them are balanced with water or juices (as caffeine and alcohol dehydrate you)
• stop smoking
• weigh up the pros and cons of oral contraceptive pill or HRT with your doctor - this is particularly important if you're a smoker

If you have varicose veins, phlebitis or venous eczema

• get your varicose veins treated using one of the new thermo-ablation techniques (EVLA, VNUS Closure FAST, RFiTT) under local anaesthetic (see www.veins.co.uk) - this will reduce your risk of superficial thrombophlebitis and the risk of propagation of this into a DVT

If you are going on a long-haul flight, or are stuck in a job or lifestyle without much movement

• wear properly measured and fitted graduated pressure stockings. Click here for our preferred supplier of graduated pressure stocking or travel stockings ("flight socks")
• consider an aid to make your blood faster in your veins - such as the arogym or circulation booster

If you are in hospital or our long-term bedbound

• wear thromboembolic disease stockings (TEDS)
• have subcutaneous heparin injections

People who have either a family history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a strong personal history of several attacks, should see a specialist in thromboses and have blood tests and scans to determine their risk and future management.

Finally

If you are concerned about getting a DVT or worried that you might have had one, or might have one now that has been missed or treated in a manner that you are not comfortable with, please contact us for advice to see if it is worth you coming to The Whiteley Clinic for an expert assessment.