Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in the Hospital

Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in the Hospital (00:01:52)
Video Transcript

When you stay in the hospital, there's a chance that you  could develop a blood clot called a deep vein thrombosis, or DVT.

They're called this because they are most common in the deep veins of your legs.

Your risk for a blood clot  increases for several reasons when you're in the hospital.

For example, you'll be less active and may  be in bed or in a wheelchair.

Or you may have a catheter in a blood vessel, which can raise your risk for DVT.

Also, if you had surgery, it may cause changes in your blood  vessels and how your blood clots.

Certain health problems, like cancer, make it more likely for your blood to clot.

If you get a DVT, you may have pain or swelling in your leg.

But there's a chance the clot could  move from your leg to your lungs.

And that can be deadly.

The good thing is there are actions  that you and your care team can take to help prevent blood clots.

First, move as often as possible— even if it's just in bed.

Movement really helps blood flow.

Your care team may urge you to get up and walk for short periods, if you can.

If you're in bed or can't move around much, try to change your position often, and stretch or move your arms  and legs as well as you can.

Follow your doctor's instructions  for doing any exercises in bed.

A good plan may be to do them once  every hour while you're awake.

Be sure to tell your care team  if you have any new symptoms, such as pain or swelling in  a leg or shortness of breath.

When you are in bed, you may wear compression sleeves on your legs.

These sleeves inflate and  gently squeeze your legs.

This helps blood flow.

You may also get blood-thinning  shots or medicines.

These help prevent blood clots.

The risk of DVT may seem scary.

But by using these tips and  following your doctor's advice, you'll be doing all you can to prevent blood clots while you're in the hospital.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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