Women that are pregnant, on birth control pills, or undergoing hormone replacement therapy may be at higher risk because of changes in estrogen levels, which can make blood more prone to clot.
4. Lifestyle Factors
5. Age
When we age, our veins and arteries become less elastic and our activity levels often drop, which increases risk—even without other underlying issues.
Sneaky Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Clots can be quiet and subtle, but sometimes your body does give you clues. Keep an eye out for the following:
Swelling in one leg or arm that comes out of nowhere
Pain or cramping, especially in the calf
Skin that feels warm to the touch or changes color (red, blue, or pale)
Sudden shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat
Sharp chest pain, particularly when breathing deeply
Coughing up blood
Feeling faint or lightheaded
These could be signs of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a clot that’s traveled to your lungs or heart. Don’t wait—seek medical attention immediately.
How to Stop Clots Before They Start
Here’s the good news: most clots can be prevented with some lifestyle tweaks and some self-awareness. Below are the top doctor-approved strategies:
1. Move Regularly (Even a Little Counts)
You don’t need to run marathons. Just break up long periods of stillness with movement:
2. Hydrate Like a Champ
Continue reading…
