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    DVT Prevention

    Blood clots in legs = serious. Preventable.

    DVT basics

    • Deep Vein Thrombosis = blood clot in leg.
    • Can break loose + travel to lungs (PE) = fatal.
    • Risk increases with age.
    • Higher risk: surgery, long flights, immobility.
    • Often missed.
    • Preventable.

    Symptoms

    • Leg swelling (one side usually).
    • Warm to touch.
    • Pain in calf.
    • Red or discolored skin.
    • Hard to walk.
    • Sudden shortness of breath = lungs (911).
    • Chest pain breathing = 911.

    Prevent during flights/long drives

    • Walk every 1-2 hours.
    • Ankle pumps (point + flex feet) every 20 min.
    • Compression socks 15-20 mmHg.
    • Stay hydrated.
    • Avoid alcohol on flights.
    • Don't cross legs long periods.
    • Aisle seat for stretches.

    After surgery

    • Walk early + often.
    • Compression boots in hospital.
    • Sometimes blood thinners briefly.
    • Don't skip ambulation.
    • Hospitals routinely prevent now.
    • Hip + knee replacements highest risk.

    Daily prevention

    • Walk daily.
    • Stay hydrated.
    • Don't sit 4+ hours without breaks.
    • Compression socks if swelling.
    • Maintain healthy weight.
    • Quit smoking.
    • Hormone therapy/birth control = increased risk.

    If diagnosed DVT

    Blood thinner 3-6+ months. Often outpatient. Compression stockings reduce post-DVT issues. Some get caval filters. Recurrence common — prevention matters. Don't ignore leg symptoms.