The Benefits of Exercise to Prevent Blood Clots

Among the most feared cardiovascular diseases is thrombosis. It's the formation of blood clots in the veins that obstruct the arteries and veins, blocking the blood flow. So, how can we prevent blood clots?
The Benefits of Exercise to Prevent Blood Clots

Last update: 26 June, 2019

Thrombosis is one of the main medical conditions that older people suffer from. When this happens, the veins or arteries have an obstruction in the form of blood clots. Therefore, the blood can’t circulate freely, causing certain discomforts that can become very dangerous if left untreated. So, how can we prevent blood clots?

Exercise helps to prevent blood clots

Every day, more and more people suffer from this illness. Although there are pharmaceutical products to treat this, we still need to exercise regularly.

Before having to treat this as a medical condition, it’s simply better to prevent blood clots overall. Unfortunately, modern working conditions have raised sedentarism in our society. Thus, it’s up to each of us to find time in our busy days to take care of our bodies and minds.

Cardiovascular exercise can bring great benefits to our blood circulation. Likewise, with exercise, the artery and vein walls will stay oxygenated and thereby reduce the risk of thrombosis. Thus, an active body, with constant activity on the muscles will help to prevent blood clots from forming.

Additionally, it’s true that those people who exercise regularly also avoid smoking. And, since smoking thickens the blood, it’s another factor that triggers thrombosis. Thus, we recommend stopping the use of tobacco in order to stay healthy.

These exercises are great for people who want to prevent blood clots and as a treatment for those who have already suffered from them. Exercising regularly is a great measure that considerably reduces the risk of blood clots. However, consult your doctor before starting a specific workout routine to make sure it’s safe.

  • Walking or light jogging
  • Swimming
  • Static bicycle
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Localized exercises for legs and ankles
One of the benefits of walking is helping prevent blood clots

People who live a sedentary lifestyle must start moving toward a more active lifestyle. Of course, this implies gradually increasing levels of exercise in intensity and duration.

The important thing is to stay active continuously throughout the day. Consequently, staying active will help our circulation and in turn, the wellbeing of our organs.

More advice

Additionally, to the aforementioned physical exercise, we also recommend the following activities:

  • Every time you finish your exercise, lay on the floor and raise the legs. This will help your blood in the veins return to your torso. Thus, preventing blood clots.
  • Rest is essential for people with thrombosis. We recommend raising the legs on a cushion before going to bed to improve circulation.
  • Include exercises that contract the lower body muscles. And so, the calves are the areas where blood clots are most common. Therefore, maintain constant movement to prevent blood clots.
  • Another important factor to prevent blood clots is to stay hydrated. Thus, drinking water before, during, and after workouts will improve your wellbeing and performance.

Symptoms of blood clots

Now, how can we precisely identify if we have a case of thrombosis? Here, we’ll give you a few details about the symptoms you’ll encounter with these blood clots.

  • Leg pain: this is the main symptom that people experience with thrombosis. In some cases, you can see the veins in the calves and thighs.
  • Swelling: this happens because of fluid retention.
  • Certain spots within the body feel warmer than the rest.
  • The feeling of fatigue and heaviness
Prevent blood clots with exercise

Things to keep in mind

As we’ve established in this article, there are many causes of thrombosis. Although it’s a treatable problem, it’s also a dangerous one, since it’s one of the main causes of death in Europe. Therefore, it’s better to prevent blood clots instead of waiting for the symptoms to treat them. Thus, to do this we must live an active life.

If you’ve already experienced an obstructed vein, then it’s time to cure it and prevent future ones. And so, the best remedy for this is to do light, low-impact exercises. Therefore, we recommend spending at least 30 minutes a day taking care of your body by exercising. This will help you prevent blood clots and other cardiovascular health risks.

Additionally, a diet rich in nutrients and low in sodium, with a balance between exercise and rest is ideal. If you follow this, you’ll start seeing improvements in your health in a short time. You’ll also start to notice how your legs respond in a faster and agile way.

The body responds well to exercise, giving signs of health improvements. Among other benefits, this will also reduce swelling, pain, and will give you more energy throughout the day.


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This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.