Quick read
Key points
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Blood clots form when blood thickens and clumps together, which is a normal part of healing after an injury, but can become dangerous if a clot forms inappropriately inside a blood vessel. The most common concerning types are deep vein thrombosis (DVT), usually in the leg, and pulmonary embolism, where part of a clot travels to the lungs.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You have risk factors for blood clots and want to discuss prevention, such as before a long flight or surgery
01 · Know
What is Blood Clots?
Blood clots form when blood thickens and clumps together, which is a normal part of healing after an injury, but can become dangerous if a clot forms inappropriately inside a blood vessel. The most common concerning types are deep vein thrombosis (DVT), usually in the leg, and pulmonary embolism, where part of a clot travels to the lungs.
Risk factors include prolonged immobility, certain medications, surgery, pregnancy, and some medical conditions. Blood clots are treatable, usually with blood-thinning medication, and prompt treatment significantly reduces the risk of serious complications.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Prolonged immobility is a major risk factor
Long periods of sitting, such as on a long flight or after surgery, significantly increase blood clot risk — moving regularly and staying hydrated during these situations helps reduce this risk.
03 · Act
When to Seek Non-Emergency Review
- 1You have risk factors for blood clots and want to discuss prevention, such as before a long flight or surgery
- 2You've had a blood clot before and have questions about ongoing prevention
- 3You're taking blood-thinning medication and have questions or side effects
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Suspected Blood Clots Always Need Prompt Medical Assessment
A suspected blood clot, whether in the leg or affecting breathing, needs urgent medical assessment — this isn't something to wait out or manage at home.
- 1Stay active during long journeys or periods of immobility.Moving your legs and walking periodically helps reduce clot risk.
- 2Stay well hydrated.Good hydration supports healthy blood flow, particularly during travel or illness.
- 3Wear compression stockings if recommended.These are often advised for people at higher risk, such as after surgery.
- 4Take prescribed blood-thinning medication consistently.If prescribed for prevention or treatment, take this exactly as directed.
- 5Know the signs and seek care promptly.One-sided leg swelling, or sudden breathlessness, should never be waited out.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Blood clots are treatable, and prompt recognition and treatment significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.
Sudden breathlessness, chest pain, or one-sided leg swelling should always be treated as a medical emergency.