Information about blood clots

This information is general only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please speak with the medical specialist caring for you about your own risk of blood clots and the steps recommended for your procedure and recovery.

What is a blood clot?

A blood clot can form inside a blood vessel and block normal blood flow. After surgery, the main concern is a clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. This is called a deep vein thrombosis, or DVT.

Sometimes part of a clot can break off and travel to the lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism, or PE, and can be serious or life-threatening. If a clot is not treated, it may also cause longer-term leg problems such as ongoing swelling, pain, skin changes or ulcers.

What can increase your risk?

Your risk of a blood clot may be higher depending on your procedure, your health history and how mobile you are after surgery.

Risk factors include previous blood clots, family history of blood clots, increasing age, smoking, higher body weight, cancer, hormone-based medicines, pregnancy or recent birth, recent long-distance travel, injury or fracture, and reduced mobility before or after surgery.

Your medical specialist will assess your risk and talk with you about any steps needed before, during and after your procedure.

How to help reduce risk

There are simple things you can do before and after surgery to help keep your blood moving:

drink fluids as advised
move regularly and walk as soon as it is safe to do so
do leg and foot exercises if recommended
wear compression stockings if advised, and make sure you know how to use them correctly
use compression pumps or other mechanical devices while in hospital if advised
take blood-thinning medicine exactly as prescribed if this is part of your plan
ask your medical specialist before stopping or restarting any blood-thinning medication