Blood clots are an important part of the body’s natural healing process.
When you get a cut, blood clots form to stop the bleeding and protect the area as it heals. However, not all blood clots are helpful.
Chronic blood clots, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can form in the veins, usually in the legs, and can lead to serious health problems if they travel to the lungs or other vital organs.
The good news is that regular movement can significantly reduce the risk of developing these dangerous clots.
Blood clots can form when blood flow slows down or becomes stagnant. This often happens during long periods of sitting or lying down, such as during a long flight, after surgery, or due to a sedentary lifestyle.
When you don’t move enough, blood tends to pool in the lower parts of your body, increasing the chance of clot formation. Over time, these clots can block blood flow and cause swelling, pain, or even life-threatening complications like a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs).
One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent blood clots is through regular movement. Physical activity helps keep blood flowing smoothly through your veins, reducing the likelihood of clot formation.
Even small movements, such as stretching your legs or walking for a few minutes every hour, can make a big difference. Studies have shown that people who move regularly are far less likely to develop DVT compared to those who remain inactive for long periods.
For people who work desk jobs or spend a lot of time sitting, research suggests that taking short breaks to stand up, stretch, or walk around every 30 minutes can significantly reduce the risk of blood clots.
One study published in the journal Circulation found that interrupting long periods of sitting with just five minutes of light walking every hour improved blood flow and reduced markers of clot risk.
Another study showed that people who performed regular leg exercises while sitting had better circulation and lower risk of developing clots.
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise to prevent blood clots. It’s low-impact, easy to do, and doesn’t require special equipment. Walking activates the calf muscles, which act like a pump to push blood back up toward the heart.
This prevents blood from pooling in the legs and helps maintain healthy circulation. The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity, like brisk walking, each week to support overall health and reduce the risk of conditions like DVT.
For those who are unable to walk due to medical reasons, other forms of movement can also help. Ankle pumps, where you flex and point your toes repeatedly, can improve blood flow in the legs.
Compression stockings, which apply gentle pressure to the legs, are another effective way to prevent clots in people who are immobile or recovering from surgery. Research has shown that these stockings, combined with light movement, can significantly reduce the risk of DVT.
Staying hydrated is another important factor in preventing blood clots. Dehydration can thicken your blood, making it more likely to clot. Drinking plenty of water, especially during long flights or car rides, can help maintain proper blood flow.
Studies also suggest that avoiding alcohol and caffeine during these times may further reduce the risk of clot formation, as they can contribute to dehydration.
While regular movement and hydration are effective in preventing most blood clots, it’s important to recognize the signs of DVT and seek medical attention if necessary.
Symptoms include swelling, pain, or redness in one leg, as well as a feeling of warmth in the affected area. If a clot moves to the lungs, it can cause sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood—all of which require immediate medical care.
In conclusion, regular movement is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent chronic blood clots.
Whether it’s taking a short walk, stretching at your desk, or doing ankle pumps, staying active helps keep your blood flowing and reduces your risk of dangerous complications.
By incorporating simple habits like these into your daily routine, you can take a big step toward protecting your health and preventing blood clots.
If you care about heart health, please read studies that vitamin K helps cut heart disease risk by a third, and a year of exercise reversed worrisome heart failure.
For more health information, please see recent studies about supplements that could help prevent heart disease, stroke, and results showing this food ingredient may strongly increase heart disease death risk.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
