Prone to clots?

You may have heard a story like this.  Totally normal person with no history of any medical problems suddenly develops a painful swelling reddened leg or arm.  Or a normal person without history of any medical problems suddenly has a stroke?  Or how about a totally normal person without history of any medical problems suddenly dropped dead?  These can seem extreme but in the medical field, we see these things occur.

Blood is meant to circulate throughout your body.  When the blood circulation slows down or stops, it can form clots.  Clots that travel can stop the blood flow in your brain, in your heart or extremities creating major symptoms.  Some people have genetic predisposition to having clots.  For instance, a mutation in certain genes, such as Factor V Leiden, can predispose one to have clots all the time. 

Preventing clots from forming is a common strategy whenever one is admitted to a hospital.  Avoid long periods of inactivity while on a long trip, during illness, or after surgery.  Walk around every couple hours.  Exercise your legs when you are sitting down at a desk.  If you smoke, quit, because smoke damages blood vessels and therefore increase the risk of blood clot.  Go to your doctor and see if you have any risk factors for blood clot or a family history.  It's a move that may save your life.  Until next time, Be Safe and Healthy!