Anticoagulation Team
This leaflet outlines important information about preventing blood clots during and after your stay in hospital.
What are blood clots?
Clotting is a normal process to help with healing, but a clot (thrombus) can develop in a blood vessel when it is not needed.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
A blood clot that forms in the leg, groin, arm or any deep vein in the body.
Pulmonary embolism (PE)
Occurs when a blood clot breaks loose in a vein and travels to the lungs.
Who is at risk of getting a clot in hospital?
Any unwell person
Anyone admitted to hospital is at risk of getting a clot however this leaflet is only for people age 16 and over.
These people are more at risk:
Mobility
People who can’t walk or move around.
Over 60
People over the age of 60 years.
Weight
People who are overweight.
Undergoing treatment
People who have cancer or are having chemotherapy.
Operation
People who have had an operation.
Hydration
People who do not drink enough water.
Pregnancy
People who are pregnant or have been recently.
Serious Injury
People who have had any serious injury.
Family history
People with a family member who has had blood clots or people who have had blood clots before.
Heart or lung problems
People who have problems with their heart or lungs.
Blood conditions
People with certain blood conditions.
Contraception
People taking birth control (oestrogen-containing contraceptive pill).
HRT
People taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
What can be done to reduce my risk?
You can reduce your risk of getting a blood clot by
Drinking water
Drinking plenty of water (unless instructed otherwise).
Mobility
Getting out of bed as soon as it is safe to do so and keep moving as much as possible.
Leg exercises
Doing leg exercises (ask nursing and, or physiotherapy staff if you need help).
Asking your doctor or nurse
Asking your doctor or nurse what is being done to reduce your risk of clots and following any medical advice given.
Your doctor may prescribe:
Compression stockings
Compression stockings for your legs.
Inflatable sleeves
Inflatable sleeves worn around your leg or foot.
Are these treatments safe?
Stockings and leg sleeves
Sometimes they can make the skin on your legs go red or break. This can happen if they are too tight and dig in to your skin. If it happens let your doctor know straight away.
Medicines (injection or tablets)
These medicines protect you from blood clots but sometimes they can give you:
- Allergy (like a rash)
- Bruises
- Bleeding (for example, nosebleeds, heavy periods or internal bleeding)
What happens when I go home?
Keep moving
Move your body as much as possible.
Drink water
Continue to drink plenty of water (unless instructed otherwise).
Compression stockings
You should continue to wear stockings until you return to your usual level of mobility or longer if advised.
Injections
If you need to continue injections at home, your nursing team will teach you how to do this. They will provide you with a sharps box in which to safely store used needles.
Need help with your injections?
If you are unable to inject yourself, and a family member is unable to do this for you, then the community nursing team will give you the injections.
Symptoms to look out for after leaving hospital
Symptoms of (DVT) blood clot in your leg
Swelling
Swelling of the affected leg
Pain
Pain in the affected leg
Heat
Heat or redness in leg
Symptoms of (PE) blood clot in your lung
Chest pain
Pain in chest which is worse when you take a deep breath
Breathing
Trouble with breathing
Coughing
Cough with blood
If you develop any signs or symptoms of a blood clot at any time
Contact your doctor
Seek medical advice immediately from your own doctor (GP)
Hospital emergency department
Or your nearest hospital emergency department.
Important
Contact us
If you require further information, please ask for the ward or department you were admitted to.
Telephone: 01642 850850
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]