Can pulmonary embolism be prevented?
-
There are several options that can help prevent the formation of blood clots that lead to pulmonary embolism, including medication prescribed by your doctor as well as daily steps you can take. Your doctor can prescribe anticoagulant medication such as heparin or warfarin, both of which are given to people who are recovering from surgery to prevent blood clots from forming. Other people who are bedridden (or do not move much) because of diseases such as cancer, heart failure, or obesity are also given anticoagulants to reduce their risk of pulmonary embolism.
Some people can benefit from devices such as pneumatic compressors or compression stockings, which put pressure on the calves in order to stimulate blood flow and prevent clots. Similarly, physical activity is one of the best daily preventions of blood clotting, because it stimulates blood flow and can expedite someone's recovery from surgery. Staying hydrated can be crucial to preventing blood clots, as it prevents the blood from thickening and forming obstructions.
There are several options that can help prevent the formation of blood clots that lead to pulmonary embolism, including medication prescribed by your doctor as well as daily steps you can take. Your doctor can prescribe anticoagulant medication such... More -
Healthwise answered:Daily use of anticoagulant medicines may help prevent recurring pulmonary embolism by stopping new blood clots from forming and stopping existing clots from growing.
The risk of forming another blood clot is highest in the weeks after the first episode of pulmonary embolism. This risk decreases over time. But the risk remains high for months and sometimes years, depending upon what caused the pulmonary embolism. People with recurrent blood clots and/or pulmonary embolism may have to take anticoagulants daily for the rest of their lives. Anticoagulant medicines also are often used for people who are not active due to illness or injury, or people who are having surgery on the legs, hips, belly or brain.
Other preventive methods may also be used, such as:
- Getting you moving shortly after surgery.
- Wearing compression stockings to help prevent leg deep vein thrombosis if you are at increased risk for this condition.
Take steps to prevent blood clots from travel, such as drinking fluids and walking around every hour. Because of long periods of inactivity, you are at higher risk for blood clots when you are traveling.
If you are already at high risk for pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis, talk to your doctor before taking a long flight or car trip. Ask if you need to take any special precautions to prevent blood clots during travel.
Daily use of anticoagulant medicines may help prevent recurring pulmonary embolism by stopping new blood clots from forming and stopping existing clots from growing. The risk of forming another blood clot is highest in the weeks after the first... More
