Tips for Avoiding Blood Clots Post-Surgical Procedures
Surgery can be a crucial part of treatment for many health conditions, but it's important to be aware of potential complications, such as blood clots.
If you experience symptoms of a blood clot, whether or not you've had surgery, it's essential to seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms can include sudden or gradual pain in a limb, swelling, tenderness, warmth in the limb, chest heaviness or pain, arm numbness, discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, light-headedness, sharp chest pain, racing heart or rapid breathing, shortness of breath, sweating, fever, coughing up blood, weakness of the face, arms, or legs, difficulty speaking or garbled speech, vision problems, sudden and severe headache, dizziness, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
One common type of blood clot that can occur after surgery is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in an important vein, causing pain and swelling. Inactivity during and after surgery can contribute to the formation of blood clots, as blood may collect in the lower part of the body.
Surgery itself can increase the risk of developing a blood clot. This is because the body may release naturally occurring substances that encourage blood clotting in response to bleeding that occurs during the procedure or the removal or movement of organs and neighboring tissues. Additionally, surgery can cause foreign matter to be released into the bloodstream, including tissue debris, collagen, and fat, which can thicken the blood and cause it to coagulate.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent blood clots before and after surgery. Providing an accurate medical history, disclosing medications, and taking clot-dissolving medications before surgery can help prevent blood clots. After surgery, improving circulation with a compression device, elevating arms and legs, wearing compression stockings, moving around, physical therapy, and taking medication can help prevent blood clots. Doctors may also prescribe blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin to prevent unwanted blood clotting after surgery.
It's also important to manage your risk factors before surgery. Factors that increase the risk of developing blood clots include immobility after surgery, bed rest, overweight or obesity, smoking, family history of blood clots, and blood clotting disorders. Quitting smoking, getting regular physical activity, and losing weight can help lower the risk of blood clots before surgery.
Doctors may evaluate your risk factors before surgery and make recommendations to prevent DVTs or PEs. Mobility during recovery plays a role in the risk of blood clots after surgery, so it's important to follow your doctor's advice regarding activity levels.
According to the American Society of Hematology, as many as 900,000 people in the United States develop DVT each year. Taking clot-dissolving medications (thrombolytics) can help prevent blood clots for those with a high risk of DVT or PE.
In conclusion, while surgery can increase the risk of developing blood clots, there are steps you can take to help prevent them. By working closely with your healthcare team and managing your risk factors, you can help ensure a smooth recovery.
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