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Blood Clots Treatment
If blood clots are diagnosed or you are considered to be
at risk of forming blood clots, blood-thinning
(anti-coagulant) drugs that prevent clotting will be
administered.
These drugs are given to prevent blood clots from
forming. Anti-clotting agents (either anticoagulants -
blood thinners-or drugs that interfere with the function
of platelets), also are used to treat unstable angina and
protect against heart attacks.
Anticoagulants used to prevent stroke in patients with
atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter include Warfarin
(Coumadin®) that is usually prescribed for patients who
are over age 65, have had a prior stroke or have other
health problems such as heart failure, coronary artery
disease, diabetes, hypertension, or heart valve disease.
A "blood thinner," it also is used for treatment and
prevention of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the
legs) and to treat pulmonary (lung) embolus (blood
clots) and to prevent clots from forming after a heart
attack (myocardial infarction).
If thrombophlebitis occurs in a superficial vein, your
doctor may recommend self-care steps that include
applying heat to the painful area, elevating the affected
leg and using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The
condition usually subsides within a week or two.
Your doctor may also recommend these treatments for
thrombophlebitis:
Support stockings. These help prevent recurrent swelling
and reduce the chances of complications of deep vein
thrombosis. Your doctor may recommend
prescription-strength support hose.
Filter. In rare instances, a filter may be inserted into the
main vein in your abdomen (vena cava) to prevent clots
that break loose in leg veins from lodging in your lungs.
Varicose vein stripping. The doctor can surgically remove
varicose veins that cause pain or recurrent
thrombophlebitis in a procedure called varicose vein
stripping. Removing the vein won't affect circulation in
the leg because veins deeper in the leg take care of the
increased volumes of blood.
Clot removal or bypass. Sometimes, surgery is
necessary to remove an acute clot blocking a pelvic vein
or an abdominal vein. To treat a blocked vein that is
chronic and disabling, the doctor may recommend
surgery to bypass the vein, or a nonsurgical procedure
called angioplasty to open up the vein.
Prevention
Sitting during a long flight or an automobile ride can
cause swollen ankles and calves. The inactivity also
increases your risk of thrombophlebitis in the veins of
your legs. To help prevent a blood clot from forming:
Take a walk. If you're flying, walk around the airplane
cabin once an hour or so. If you're driving, stop every
hour and walk around the car a couple of times.
If you must stay seated, move your legs regularly. Flex
your ankles, or press your feet against the seat in front
of you.
On flights lasting longer than 6 hours, take additional
precautions to reduce your risk of deep vein thrombosis.
These include:
Avoid wearing tight clothing around your waist
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
Stretch your calves once an hour
If you're at increased risk of deep vein thrombosis, talk
to your doctor before your flight. He or she may
recommend:
Compression stockings
Low-molecular heparin given two to four hours before
departure
Aspirin is not recommended.
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