6 Ways To Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis

2. Stop Smoking

It is no secret that smoking is responsible for a number of health problems, but you may not know that some of those problems can increase your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. One particular concern when it comes to DVT is high blood pressure. No only can smoking cause high blood pressure, but it can also raise it even higher in people who were already struggling.

Smoking also damages the body's circulatory system and decreases blood flow. This lack of circulation makes the blood more likely to clot. Many people have successfully quit smoking after trying the nicotine patch or gum. Others have slowly reduced the number of cigarettes they smoke each day until they no longer need any at all.

1. Exercise Throughout The Day

People who are on bed-rest are not the only ones who live sedentary lifestyles. Many healthy people, such as those who work in offices, often end up sitting still all day long. Some of these people do squeeze in some exercise after work, but that is not always enough. The problem with sitting still all day is that it restricts blood flow to the legs, which is one of the leading causes of deep vein thrombosis.

The number one way to avoid DVT is to make sure you move throughout the day. You can set an alarm on your phone or computer to remind you to take a short walk every hour or two. It is also helpful to stretch periodically and avoid sitting with your legs crossed.