Think, Ask & Act about blood clots

Wednesday 5 October 2016

A blood clot or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a clot which forms in a deep vein, usually the leg. Deep veins are the larger veins that run through the muscles and transport blood to the heart. When a clot forms, it blocks the flow. While in hospital you can reduce the risks of developing a blood clot by:

• Following the advice given by the health care staff looking after you
• Changing your position regularly if you are lying in bed or sitting in a chair
• Getting up and moving when you are told it is safe to do this, and
• Drinking fluids as advised.

Ask your doctor, nurse or healthcare professional to help you reduce the risks of developing blood clots.

For more information please visit www.thinkclots.scot.nhs.uk or www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk.