DID YOU KNOW?
Every six minutes, someone dies from a blood clot in the U.S. Many of these deaths are preventable with early awareness and intervention. [3]
STAY INFORMED
- Blood clots are the body’s natural way to stop bleeding, but when they form at the wrong time or place, they can cause serious harm. [1]
- Conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and stroke can all result from harmful clots. [1]
- Common symptoms of a clot include leg pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or sudden shortness of breath. [1]
- Risk factors include age over 65, recent surgery, pregnancy, immobility, smoking, obesity, and certain medications.
HELPFUL TIPS
1. Get Regular Checkups
- Annual physicals and routine bloodwork can help detect early signs of clotting disorders or contributing risk factors. [1]
2. Stay Active and Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Physical activity boosts circulation and helps prevent clot formation, especially in the legs. [1]
3. Avoid Smoking and Be Cautious With Hormonal Medications
- Smoking damages blood vessels, and some birth control pills or hormone treatments increase clotting risk. Talk to your doctor about safer options if you have other risk factors.
4. Move Around During Long Travel
- During flights or long car rides, stand, stretch, or walk every couple of hours. Compression socks may also help improve circulation. [2]
BLOOD CLOT SAFETY REMINDER
Blood clots can be silent — until it’s too late. Know the symptoms, move your body regularly, and get medical advice if something feels off. A few simple precautions could save your life or someone else’s.