Learning About How to Prevent a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in the Hospital

What is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein, usually in the legs. A DVT can be dangerous because it can break loose and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs. There it can block blood flow in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). This can be life-threatening.

What increases your risk?

As a patient in the hospital, you are at higher risk for having a DVT. This may be due to:

• Slowed blood flow. Blood clots can form when your blood flows slowly or pools in your leg. This can happen when you have to stay in a hospital bed for long periods of time or when you have limited movement due to injury or surgery.
• Injury to a blood vessel. Blood is more likely to clot in veins soon after they are injured. Injuries include recent surgery that involves the legs, hips, belly, or brain. Clotting may also happen if you have a central vascular access device (CVAD) to give you medicines, fluids, or nutrients. Clotting occurs at or near the site.
• Blood that doesn't clot normally. Some people have blood that clots too easily or too quickly. This can happen if you have cancer or other health conditions or illnesses that makes your blood more likely to clot.

How is it prevented?

Preventing a DVT in the hospital may include medicines, compression, and movement.

• Blood thinner medicines. Medicines called blood thinners help reduce the risk of blood clots. These medicines don't actually thin the blood. They work by slowing the time it takes for clots to form. You may be given blood thinners in the form of pills or a shot.
• Compression. Compressing, or squeezing, your legs helps keeps your blood moving so it doesn't pool and form clots. This can be done with:
  • A compression device that has air bags that inflate and deflate at certain times. This forces blood to flow out of your lower leg toward your heart. The device is sometimes called an intermittent or sequential compression device.
  • Compression stockings that are tight at the feet with a looser fit on the legs.
• Movement. When you're in the hospital, moving as much as you can—even if you're in bed—can help your reduce your risk for blood clots. Your care team can show you how to change the position of parts of your body, such as your buttocks and legs. And you can practice sitting up and getting in and out of bed safely. Some exercises can be done in a chair. Eat your meals sitting in a chair, rather than lying in bed. As soon as you feel able to, get out of bed for short walks. Working your leg muscles as you stand and walk helps move blood through your veins.

When should you call for help?

While you are in the hospital, be sure to let your care team know if you have any new problems or if your symptoms get worse. For example:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.
• You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
• You have symptoms of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
  • Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
  • Swelling in the leg or groin.
  • A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.