Can blood clots be prevented?
Prevention is important, particularly in people prone to blood clots. The risk group for blood clots in arteries includes: • People with mitral valve damage • People with an enlarged heart • People with heart failure The best prevention in this group is: regular exercise, effective treatment of other heart-related medical conditions, and anti-clotting medication. This can be an aspirin daily. The risk group for developing blood clots in a vein include: • People with varicose veins • Obese people • People with chronic heart failure • Or people with habits or work that require them to stay in one position for long periods of time as with air travel (Venous thrombosis related to air travel is known as Economy Class Syndrome). The best prevention in this group is regular exercise, movement or stretching, maintaining optimal weight, and not smoking, drinking enough fluids and avoiding alcohol (especially during a flight). People should avoid sitting with crossed legs and wearing tight garme
