Guide To Managing Factor V Leiden

Keep The Legs Moving

It is vital for factor V Leiden patients to keep their legs moving because the contraction of specific muscles in the legs have a direct influence on overall blood circulation. In order for an individual to maintain optimal circulation, the calf muscles must contract many times a day. Factor V Leiden patients should not lie down or sit for extended periods. The reason for this is because a decline in the effectiveness of blood flow will occur when an individual is sedentary for some time. Individuals with factor V Leiden should be getting around three hours of exercise per week. These exercises should involve high levels of movement in the legs. Activities like walking, swimming, and cycling are ideal for maintaining optimal blood circulation. In addition, consuming plenty of water will help keep the individual hydrated. Hydration is essential for the blood to maintain the correct consistency to facilitate proper blood circulation. Not only will the frequent leg movements keep blood clots from forming in the legs, but it will also prevent blood clots from forming in the rest of the body.

Avoid Playing Contact Sports

All individuals dealing with factor V Leiden should avoid playing contact sports to lower their risk of suffering even a minor injury. Patients being treated with blood thinners should make extreme efforts to avoid becoming injured. When an individual is on blood thinners, they often assume they only need to prevent lacerating their skin. However, internal bleeding or bruising can also occur with any type of injury, even if it does not break the skin. It is just as easy for an individual on blood-thinning treatment to lose a critical amount of blood from internal bleeding as it is with external bleeding. Individuals affected by factor V Leiden who are not on blood thinners also need to avoid contact sports due to the increased risk of becoming injured. When the body becomes injured in any form, the natural healing process will slow down overall circulation to cater to the damaged area. Slowed circulation will make it easier for the blood to form clots because the blood can settle in the veins. While frequent exercise is encouraged, working out in the form of playing contact sports is detrimental to individuals with factor V Leiden.