Preventing a first DVT - or a recurrence of a DVT

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A DVT is often just a 'one-off' event after a major operation. However, some people who develop a DVT have an ongoing risk of a further DVT. For example, if you have a blood clotting problem, or continued immobility. As mentioned above, you may be advised to take anticoagulation (usually with warfarin) long-term. Your doctor will advise you about this.

Other things that may help to prevent a first or recurrent DVT include the following:

If possible, avoid long periods of immobility, such as sitting in a chair for many hours. If you are able to, get up and walk around now and then. A daily brisk walk for 30-60 minutes is even better if you can do this. The aim is to stop the blood 'pooling', and to get the circulation in the legs moving. Regular exercise of the calf muscles also helps. You can do some calf exercises even when you are sitting.
Major operations are a risk for a DVT - particularly operations to the hip, lower abdomen, and leg. You may be given an anticoagulant such as a heparin injection just before an operation to help prevent a DVT. An inflatable sleeve connected to a pump to compress the legs during a long operation may also be used. You may also be given compression stockings to wear whilst you are in hospital. It is also common practice to get you up and walking as soon as possible after an operation.
When you travel on long plane journeys, train journeys etc, you should have little walks up and down the aisle every now and then. Also, exercise your calf muscles every now and then whilst sitting in your seat. See separate leaflet called 'DVT - Prevention When Travelling' for more details of other things that you can do. If you have had a previous DVT, you should see your doctor for advice before you travel on a long journey or fly.
People who are overweight have an increased risk of DVT. Therefore, to reduce your risk, you should try to lose weight.

Other treatments

Sometimes other treatments may be considered. For example:

Thrombolytic therapy (often called 'clot busting') with drugs such as streptokinase or urokinase. These drugs may help to 'dissolve' a blood clot. This is not routine treatment as it is not clear how effective it is. However, it is sometimes used in people with a severe DVT or with a large pulmonary embolus.
Sometimes an operation is done to remove a blood clot from the leg vein or pulmonary artery. These operations are not routine and it is not clear if they are an effective treatment in most cases.
Occasionally, an operation is done to place a 'filter' in the large vein above the blocked leg vein. The aim is to stop any blood clots from traveling up to the lungs. This may be considered if anticoagulation cannot be given (for various reasons) or if anticoagulation fails to prevent clots breaking off and traveling up into the larger veins and up to the lungs.