What Women Should Know About DVT

A DVT is a blood clot that forms deep in your veins, most often in your leg. It can partially or completely block blood flow back to the heart and damage the one-way valves in your veins. It can also break free and travel to major organs, such as your lungs, which can be very dangerous.

While men generally are more likely to have deep vein thrombosis, hormones during different stages of women's lives can raise their chances of getting a potentially deadly clot.

Women who are pregnant or use certain methods of birth control or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause may not realize they're at higher risk for DVT.

Pregnancy

While you're expecting a baby, and up to 6 weeks after you deliver, your chances of DVT are four to five times greater because of hormonal and physical changes in your body.

Blood flow slows down, making it more likely to pool and clot. Your expanding uterus can press on veins, making it harder for blood to get through. It also gets more difficult for you to move and stay active. All of these increase your risk for DVT.

Your doctor may prescribe a medicine that prevents blood clots from forming if:

  • You have a blood clotting disorder or had a clot before.
  • Your doctor puts you on bed rest.
  • You are planning a C-section.

Even if you do not have other risk factors, be aware, especially when you are traveling. Symptoms of DVT can include pain in your ankle, calf, or thigh when you stand or walk, or sudden swelling, warmth, or redness in your skin. See a doctor right away if these happen.

Take precautions. When you'll be mostly still for several hours -- like on a long trip by plane, train, or car, or on bed rest -- drink lots of fluids, wear loose-fitting clothing, and try to walk around or at least stretch and move your legs every hour or so.

Ask your doctor about compression stockings to help keep blood from clotting in your legs.

Birth Control

Three kinds of birth control have oestrogen: combination pills, the patch, and the ring. While these methods are considered safe for most women, they do increase the likelihood of DVT. Combination birth control pills could more than triple your risk, though the risk overall is still small.

But this boost might be enough to lead to a clot in some situations -- a flight across an ocean and back, for example -- even if you are young and otherwise in good shape.

Some aspects of your health can make this type of birth control more dangerous. Talk to your doctor about the best birth control if you are:

  • Significantly overweight
  • Smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day and are older than 35
  • Have high cholesterol or high blood pressure

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Some older women take oestrogen therapy (or a combination of oestrogen and progestin) to help relieve symptoms of menopause. This can also lead to DVT.

Your chances go up as you get older. Other things that sometimes come with aging do not help either:

  • Obesity
  • Moving less
  • Heart disease
  • Bone fractures

Your risk of blood clots may be lower when you get oestrogen absorbed through skin patches rather than taking it in pills.

Talk to your doctor about whether the benefits of HRT outweigh the possibility of a deep-vein clot, and ask which method is safest for you.

How to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Many women are diagnosed with these blood clots each year, and almost as many have them and don't know it. Even if you're at risk, you can take steps to prevent DVT. Some simple actions include:

  • Lose weight.
  • Exercise.
  • Do not stay still for long periods -- move every 2 hours or so when you are on a plane or long car trip.
  • Wear loose clothes and drink lots of water when you travel.

Everyday Living and Medical Conditions

  • Exercise regularly. Daily, if possible. Walking, swimming, and bicycling are all great activities. Exercise will also help you manage your weight, and so will eating a low-fat, high-fibre diet with lots of vegetables and fruits.
  • If you smoke, quit! Nicotine patches, gums, or sprays and prescription medications, along with support groups, can make kicking the habit easier.
  • Check your blood pressure at least once a year; more often if your doctor says to. Follow his instructions about taking medication if you need it. Exercise, eating well, and quitting smoking will help control your blood pressure, too.
  • Tell your doctor about any blood-clotting problems you or a close family member has had. And if you’re on birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, or are pregnant.

After Surgery or While on Bed Rest

Your surgeon will let you know if blood clots could be a problem for you. Sometimes, the risk is greatest right after surgery and for about 10 days afterward. Or you may get a DVT because you are less active in the months after the procedure.

Your doctor may prescribe blood thinners, also called anticoagulants:

During recovery, raise the foot of your bed so it is taller than the pillow end. Do not use pillows under your legs. Do any exercises, such as leg lifts and ankle movements, that your doctor recommends. Take your pain medicine to make it easier. Get out of bed and start ramping up your activity as soon as you can safely.

When Traveling

On flights longer than 4 hours, get up and move around. Take the opportunity to walk and stretch between connecting flights, too.

When you are traveling by car, stop every hour to walk around. If you are stuck in your seat, work the muscles in your legs often throughout your trip:

  • Stretch your legs.
  • Flex your feet.
  • Curl or press your toes down.

Drink plenty of fluids but avoid coffee and alcohol. They will dehydrate you, which makes your veins narrower and blood thicker, so you are more likely to get a clot.

Do not wear short, tight socks, and try not to cross your legs a lot. You might want to wear compression stockings. They will help your blood flow and keep swelling down.

Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.