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Every year about 350,000 Americans are diagnosed with blood clots, and it’s estimated that even more are coping with them without even realizing it. Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot that usually forms in your leg. It affects the flow of blood to your heart and causes damage to your vascular system, resulting in varicose veins and the risk of worse complications.
If you’re experiencing cramps or tenderness in your leg, red or blue-tinted discoloration, or swelling, these are all signs that you might have DVT. And, if left untreated, this clot can travel to your lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. Luckily, there are ways you can change your lifestyle to keep that from happening.
Get Active
A big risk factor that can lead to DVT is inactivity and being overweight. When you stay standing or sitting in one position for an extended period of time, it halts proper circulation in your vascular system, which causes vein disease or blood clotting.
Maintaining an active lifestyle can greatly reduce the chance of developing DVT, but we understand regular exercise can be difficult to achieve. If you are unable to hit the gym or lack confidence in your ability to do a push-up, regular brisk walks work just as well. Even making sure you get up from work and move around at least every two hours will help.
Stay Healthy
Changing to a nutrient-rich diet can help you lose weight and reduce the risk of clotting in your veins. Increasing your intake of vitamin E helps prevent your blood platelets from sticking together, meaning your blood is less likely to clot as it travels through your veins.
If you’re a smoker, you might want to consider kicking the habit for the sake of both your overall health and the health of your veins. Smoking damages your blood vessel walls and changes the surface of your platelets, two factors that greatly increase the risk of clotting.
Overall, it’s impossible to ignore the proof that when you put effort into improving your lifestyle by prioritizing health and fitness, your vascular system always benefits.
Treating Deep Vein Thrombosis
Treating your DVT is best done through the guidance of a medical professional. In terms of medication, you may be prescribed a blood thinner to prevent more blood clots from forming and the current ones from growing. You might also invest in a pair of compression stockings, which help improve blood flow and keep swelling down.
While your doctor will certainly tell you if you’re at risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis, you shouldn’t wait for them to say something. Be proactive with your health by monitoring your blood pressure and adjusting your exercise and diet when needed.
And if you’re looking for cosmetic treatment for the varicose veins that can form as a result of DVT, contact NYMETROVEIN for a consultation and learn how we can help you.
