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Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Hospital

Patients who are in the hospital have a risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is when a blood clot (or thrombus) forms in a deep vein. DVTs are most common in the leg. But a DVT may develop in an arm or in another area with a deep vein. Sometimes, a piece of the clot can separate from the vein and travel to the lungs. This can cut off the flow of blood to part of the lungs, which is very dangerous. Fortunately, there are many ways we can help prevent a DVT in the hospital.

 

Risk factors

Anyone can get a blood clot. But people with these risk factors are more likely to get one:

  • Being inactive for a long time, such as when you're in the hospital
  • Recent surgery
  • Recent trauma or an injury or broken bone that needs a splint or cast
  • Injury to a vein from an accident, a broken bone or surgery
  • Having blood clots in the past or a family history of blood clots
  • Blood clotting disorder
  • Cancer or certain cancer treatments
  • Smoking or being very overweight

 

Prevention in the hospital

Your health care provider will usually prescribe one or more of the following to prevent blood clots:

  • Getting out of bed and walking. Moving around improves blood flow and helps prevent blood clots. A nurse will help you out of bed as soon as you are able. He or she will help you take walks, until you can safely walk on your own. We encourage you to walk as soon as you can and as often as you can. Walking as much as possible is the best way to prevent DVT.

     

  • Blood thinner. This is medicine that prevents blood clots. You take it by mouth, by injection or through an IV. Sometimes your health care provider may not give you a blood thinner. It is important that he or she discuss the risks and benefits with you.

     

  • Sequential compression device (SCD). Plastic sleeves are wrapped around your legs

    and connected to a pump that inflates and deflates the sleeves. This puts gentle pressure on your legs to help blood flow and prevent blood clots. Please wear the sleeves as much as possible, including when you're sitting in a chair. Remove them when you are walking (for example, when you get up to go to the bathroom) so that you do not trip or fall. If you need help removing the sleeves, ask your nurse. When you're ready to put them back on, your nurse will help you. Tell your nurse if you have any swelling, pain or redness in either of your legs or a sore on the skin under the sleeves. Also tell your nurse if the sleeves feel too tight or cause pain.

 

Patient in hospital bed wearing equential compression sleeves on legs.

  
   
  • Exercises. Simple exercises while you are resting in bed or sitting in a chair can help prevent blood clots. Move your feet in a circle or up and down. Do this 10 times an hour to improve blood flow.

 

 
Move your foot up and down. Move your foot from side to side and wiggle your toes.

 

Prevention at home

DVT can happen even after you go home. Before you leave the hospital, your nurse will go over any steps you may need to take to prevent DVT at home. 

 

 

 

Updated: 2/2017, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center