Understanding Blood Clots
From symptoms to recovery – your guide to awareness, prevention and living well.
Blood clots can affect anyone, and understanding the warning signs, treatment options and recovery process is key to saving lives. On this page, you’ll find clear, reliable information about the signs and symptoms of blood clots, how to reduce your risk, the treatment approaches available and tips for recovery and long-term lifestyle changes. Whether you’re a patient, family member or healthcare professional, this resource is here to support awareness and informed decision-making.
Signs & Symptoms
Blood clots can form silently but may present serious warning signs when they travel or grow. Recognising the symptoms early is critical to getting timely and potentially life-saving treatment.
Why does a blood clot form?
There are two factors that may trigger a clot to form:
Changes or damage to the blood vessels – if there is pressure on a vein a clot can form. This may be due to being immobile, surgery or long-distance travelling.
Problems with the blood – this may be inherited (you are born with this condition), caused by some medications or conditions such as, severe infection or cancer.
Who is most at risk?
The most common cause is immobility. There are several factors which increase your chance of developing VTE. These include:
- having had a previous DVT or PE
- any operation lasting more than 90 minutes, particularly after orthopaedic operations such as a joint replacement or after a broken hip
- aged over 60 years
- family history of DVT or PE
cancer - dehydration
- obesity (over weight)
- faulty blood clotting – called ‘thrombophilia’
- severe acute medical illness such as pneumonia
- paralysis or immobility of the legs including staying in bed for a long period of time (although the risk may reduce after several months)
- oestrogen containing contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy
Many people think that going on a long-haul flight is the biggest risk factor for VTE, but the risk of getting a blood clot in hospital is far higher. As many as 55 to 60 in every 100 cases of VTE occur during or following hospitalisation.
What to look out for?
VTE (Venous Thromboembolism) can occur during a hospital stay or in the weeks after discharge. Be aware of the following symptoms:
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):
- Swelling, pain or tenderness in the calf
Pulmonary Embolism (PE):
- Chest pain
- Breathlessness
- Coughing up small amounts of blood
Prevention Tips
Many blood clots can be prevented with a few proactive lifestyle choices and awareness of personal risk factors. Whether in hospital or at home, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing a clot.
Who is most at risk?
The most common cause of VTE is immobility, but several other risk factors include:
- Previous DVT or PE
- Any operation lasting over 90 minutes (especially orthopaedic surgeries)
- Age over 60 years
- Family history of DVT or PE
- Cancer
- Dehydration
- Obesity
- Thrombophilia (inherited clotting disorder)
- Severe acute medical illnesses (e.g., pneumonia)
- Paralysis or long-term immobility (e.g., extended bed rest)
- Oestrogen-containing contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy
Although many people associate long-haul flights with blood clot risk, hospitalisation poses a significantly higher risk — up to 55–60% of VTE cases occur during or shortly after hospital stays.
What can I do to help myself?
What can I do to help myself?
- Get up and move around as soon as possible, especially after surgery
- Exercise legs while in bed (e.g., bend ankle up and down regularly)
- Maintain a healthy diet and weight
- Drink plenty of water
- Stop smoking
What can I do once I go home?
- Stay as mobile as possible
- Keep drinking water
- Follow medical instructions if continuing medication
Treatment Options
Treatment for blood clots depends on the type, location and severity of the clot. Medications and supportive devices can effectively manage and prevent clots from becoming more dangerous.
How is VTE prevented in hospital?
Not all VTE can be prevented, but the risk of developing a clot can be greatly reduced.
Either in the pre-admission clinic or when you are admitted to hospital, your risk will be assessed. Your risk of any adverse effect from treatment will also be considered.
You may be given one of these treatments:
Medication
Medicines used to prevent blood clots are called anticoagulants. These can be given by injection into the skin or sometimes as a tablet. In some situations, aspirin is enough. Your doctor will advise which is best for you, based on research evidence.
In some situations, the medication may be continued for a while after you have left the hospital. If you need to continue with daily injections at home a nurse will show you how to give them correctly.
Anticoagulants reduce your risk of developing a clot, but increase your risk of bleeding. This may lead to bruising or more serious internal bleeding. Because of this, we assess whether bleeding might be a problem. If your risk of bleeding is thought to be similar or exceeds your risk of a blood clot, you will not be given an anticoagulant.
- Anticoagulants are used to reduce the risk of clotting
- Given by injection or as tablets
- In some cases, aspirin may be sufficient
- Treatment may continue after leaving the hospital
- If injections are required at home, a nurse will provide guidance
- Anticoagulants increase bleeding risk, so your doctor will weigh this against the risk of clotting
Antiembolism Stockings (AES)
You may be measured and fitted with anti-embolism stockings (AES) which are usually knee-length. The stockings work by reducing damage to the veins in your legs. The stockings should be worn day and night until you are back to your usual mobility. AES are effective in reducing the risk of DVT, particularly in surgical patients, but of less value for medical patients. It is important that you are shown how to put the stockings on correctly, before you go home.
- Usually knee-length and worn day and night until mobility returns
- Help reduce vein damage and DVT risk
- Especially effective for surgical patients
- Patients should be shown how to wear them correctly before discharge
Recovery & Lifestyle Changes
Recovering from a blood clot involves more than just treatment—it requires ongoing attention to your health and lifestyle. Staying active, hydrated, and informed will help reduce future risk and support long-term wellbeing.
- Continue with prescribed medications or injections if instructed
- Maintain hydration and mobility after hospital discharge
- Watch for symptoms of DVT or PE and seek help if they appear
- Make long-term changes to reduce risk:
- Healthy eating and weight maintenance
- Staying active
- Avoiding smoking