A Guide To Preventing And Treating Blood Clots At Home

Although rare in the general population, blood clots are a substantial risk for some. Women taking artificial hormones, those who are immobilized for lengthy periods of time, and those who have recently had surgery are at particularly high risk. Although blood clots - also known as deep vein thromboses - can present a serious danger, there are many ways to prevent and treat them. The following preventative measures are doctor-approved ways to lower one's risk of developing this serious health problem.

Elevate Legs And Feet

One is at a higher risk of developing blood clots when blood pools in the lower extremities. Elevating the feet and legs will allow veins to return blood to the heart more efficiently and thus reduce the chances of clotting. Those who expect to be bedridden for a long time, such as after surgery or an illness, should put blocks under the foot of a bed to elevate the legs, keeping them slightly higher than the heart. Alternatively, placing pillows under one's lower half will give the same result.