VLN Ambassadors share what they’ve learned about preparing for medical appointments, asking better questions, and taking a more active role in their care.

When choosing an anticoagulant (blood thinner) for a patient, prescribers must weigh the risk of a major bleed against the risk of a blood clot. A major bleed is a medical emergency, but doctors are less concerned about minor bleeds, such as nosebleeds, easy bruising, etc, which don’t require urgent medical care.

Learn what a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score shows about heart disease risk, who may benefit from testing, and what the results can’t tell you.

Learn the key differences between arterial and venous blood clots, including how they form, what conditions they cause, and why it matters for heart and vascular health.

Learn why veterans face higher heart and vascular risks and what steps you can take to protect your health. Explore key risk factors, barriers to care, and VA support options.

Learn how private health insurance works, from understanding key terms to knowing what preventive care is covered. Find clear, practical tips for comparing plans, avoiding surprise bills, and advocating for yourself when claims are denied.

Learn what’s new in the 2025 AHA and ACC blood pressure guidelines—updated targets, accurate readings, and steps to protect your heart and brain.

Learn which heart or vascular specialist to see for your condition. Compare cardiologists, vascular doctors, and other experts to make informed choices.

Learn which doctors to see after a blood clot, from emergency care to specialists. Find out how your PCP helps coordinate your ongoing treatment.

Many people are aware that bleeding risks are a common side effect, but did you know these medications can also cause other symptoms? Understanding what to expect can help you manage any side effects effectively.

Learn how to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits after a blood clot. Understand eligibility, CVI criteria, and how to strengthen your claim.

Learn how to manage minor bleeding on blood thinners safely. Find tips to prevent nosebleeds, bruising, and gum bleeding without stopping your medication.

There are many different treatments for AFib. Not every treatment works the same way, and your doctor may choose one or more depending on your needs. 

Poor oral hygiene doesn’t just affect your smile—it may also raise your risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart disease. Find out how something as simple as flossing could play a surprising role in protecting your vascular health.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications help manage type 2 diabetes and can also support weight loss. Some versions of these medications have also been shown to benefit heart health, especially in people with diabetes or those at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Join us for this essential educational video featuring Dr. Elliott Antman, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and internationally recognized cardiovascular expert. In this comprehensive yet accessible presentation, Dr. Antman breaks down everything you need to know about living with atrial fibrillation.

Barbershops are more than just places to get a trim—they’re trusted community spaces, especially for men who may be reluctant to engage with traditional healthcare systems. In recent years, barbershop-based health programs have emerged as powerful tools to reach men where they are and screen them for vascular risks, including hypertension and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Nearly one in three adults has high LDL cholesterol—a silent contributor to arterial plaque and heart disease risk. In this guide, you’ll discover the healthy LDL cholesterol normal range, how optimal targets differ, and why understanding your lipid profile matters for cardiovascular protection.

Diabetes and obesity are two conditions that can raise the risk for both heart disease and blood clots. Now, a new class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (aka GLP-1s) has been getting a lot of attention as a treatment for both diabetes and obesity.

Compression stockings are usually safe for most people when they fit properly. They work by gently squeezing your legs, helping your veins move blood more efficiently and lowering the risk of blood clots. If you have a medical condition, check with your healthcare provider before using them.

Stress is a normal part of life, but too much of it can be harmful to your health. When the body reacts to stress, the body's reaction involves a complex physiological and hormonal response that prepares you to handle challenges. Chronic stress has been linked to conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and insomnia.

If you think you have a blood clot, get medical attention fast. Here’s what to expect when you visit the emergency room for a blood clot.

After you’re diagnosed with a blood clot, your healthcare provider may prescribe a blood thinner called warfarin. The doctor may also want to watch your INR levels over time. To do that, you’ll need regular blood tests.

Staying hydrated is important year-round, but especially in the summer heat. Many people choose sugar-free drinks and low-calorie sodas to cut back on sugar. But what’s actually in a “sugar-free” beverage??

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a blood clot that forms in a vein. Most clots occur in the legs, but sometimes, pieces of the clot can break off and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).

Having a blood clot can affect many aspects of your life. In addition to physical symptoms like pain and swelling, it’s not uncommon to experience mental health challenges after a clot, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you take medicine like blood thinners, antiplatelets, or aspirin to prevent blood clots, then procedures (such as surgeries, or operations) can require careful planning to safely start or stop medications.

Read commonly asked questions about life after a blood clot in our patient content series, Is This Normal?!

That tightness in your chest when stress hits, the way your legs ache more during anxious times, or how worry seems to make your vascular symptoms worse—it's all connected.

Atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder, may increase dementia risk beyond traditional causes like stroke. While treatment benefits remain unclear, the connection highlights important implications for cardiovascular and cognitive health management.

Understand atrial fibrillation (AFib) - when your heart's upper chambers beat irregularly and often too fast. Learn about symptoms, the types of AFib, why it increases stroke risk, common causes, and your path forward after diagnosis. Expert-reviewed, patient-friendly guide to help you take control of your heart health.

We’ve all heard the advice: get 10,000 steps a day. But here's the thing—that number wasn’t based on solid research. Now, a major review of 57 studies gives us evidence-backed numbers to work with—and the results are encouraging: Just 7,000 steps per day (compared to 2,000)

President Trump’s recent diagnosis has drawn attention to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)—a condition that’s surprisingly common, especially as we age. But what is CVI, and why does it matter?

Summer BBQs are a great way to relax with friends and family—and with a little planning, you can enjoy your favorite foods without straying from your heart-health goals. This quick BBQ guide shares simple tips to help you build a healthier plate while still enjoying the cookout.

Use this guide to help you prepare. These questions are meant for anyone who wants to better understand their heart and blood vessel health—whether you’re newly diagnosed, managing ongoing risks, or just trying to stay healthy.

A new study published in Neurology® may have some good news: Even if your body shows signs of biological aging, healthy lifestyle choices may still protect your brain.

The American Heart Association just released a new scientific statement on alcohol and heart health — and it might not say what you think.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a blood clot, you might wonder if it’s safe to exercise. Being active is a great way to get your heart pumping and your blood flowing. When people are inactive, blood flows back to the heart slowly. Staying active prevents blood from pooling in your body, lowering the chance of forming clots.

Stroke is a devastating medical issue that can lead to disability and death. It is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Dr. Umberto Campia discusses stroke and new approaches to stroke prevention.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a serious but often overlooked condition that affects over 8.5 million Americans. Many people remain undiagnosed until they experience complications such as stroke, heart attack, or limb amputation.

Heart failure (HF) is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide and is becoming more common as the population ages. Most people know that it causes fatigue, swelling, and shortness of breath. Few realize that the condition also increases the risk of blood clots.

After a heart attack or chest pain, people who spent more than 14 hours a day sitting had twice the risk of another heart problem within a year. But replacing just 30 minutes of sitting each day made a big difference.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, blocking blood flow. Some patients experience pain after a DVT. Typically, the pain goes away once the clot has dissolved. But sometimes, leg pain can stick around for a while after a DVT, which can be frustrating.

Menopause brings about many changes – some expected, others surprising. For women with a history of blood clots, heart disease, or other vascular risks, navigating this transition requires both knowledge and support.

Complementary medicine refers to using holistic techniques, like yoga or tai chi, alongside standard medical treatment, while alternative medicine is used instead of standard treatment.

In type 2 diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly. Both types can increase the risk of blood clots. But type 2 is often linked to obesity and high cholesterol—risk factors that make clots more likely.

If you’re taking warfarin, you’ll need to get your INR—or international normalized ratio— levels tested regularly. This blood test measures prothrombin time, or how long it takes your body to make a blood clot.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a rare autoimmune disease that causes the body to abnormally form blood clots. There are about 40 to 50 cases per 100,000 people, and women are three to four times more likely to have APS than men.

An anticoagulant (often called a “blood thinner”) is a medication that’s used to treat and prevent blood clots. While they don’t actually thin the blood or break up existing clots, they do stop clots from getting bigger - and help prevent new (or recurrent) clots.

Experiencing a blood clot can be terrifying and very overwhelming. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with a blood clot or have been living with a blood clotting condition for a while, you likely remember your first clot very well.

Arielle Langer, MD, MPH recently joined VLN, the Foundation for Women and Girls with Blood Disorders and WomenHeart to talk about heavy menstrual bleeding in the setting of blood thinners. Dr. Langer directs the Women’s Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. 

According to Dr. Kahn, “the risk of a travel-related blood clot is quite small, and the average traveler doesn’t need to worry about it. Billions of people travel by plane every year, and most of them don’t get a blood clot.”

Blood clots are a complex condition that can be triggered by various factors, from prolonged inactivity to genetic predisposition. However, one often-overlooked cause is cancer.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects more than 3 million adults in the U.S., and research shows that patients with IBD have a 3-4 times higher risk of developing thrombosis (blood clots) than people without IBD. Several factors may contribute to this heightened risk, including genetics.

Your doctor may prescribe a medicine called warfarin if you’ve been diagnosed with a blood clot (thrombosis). Some proteins that are important for blood clotting need vitamin K, which comes the foods you eat.

Having a blood clot can affect almost every aspect of your life, and one of the most frequently asked questions is: “when is it safe to exercise after my clot?”

You should always go to the ER anytime you suspect a blood clot or experience any signs or symptoms of DVT or PE.

It seems like every other day there’s a new headline about risk factors for heart disease or blood clots. These news stories can be very alarming, especially if you’re living with a blood clotting disorder.

Blood clotting disorders occur when coagulation—the steps the body takes to make a clot—are disrupted. It’s important to learn about how this process normally works.

For those living in the Northern latitudes, the winter months can bring freezing temperatures, snow, and shorter days. Even if you live in warmer climates you may still experience rain, unpredictable weather, and cooler days. After the excitement of the holidays, cozying up in blankets all winter feels really inviting.

In this edition of Patient Pulse, we’re pleased to welcome Kenya Palmer Emrich, FNP for a discussion on obesity and heart health. Kenya is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with over eight years of experience in medical weight management. Prior to nursing, she worked as a personal trainer and university strength coach. She is currently a Nursing Instructor at the MGH Institute of Health Professions.

After experiencing a blood clot, it’s important to get back into exercising to keep your heart healthy AND help prevent another PE or DVT from happening — but for many people, returning to exercise may seem challenging.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that’s unknown to many, yet it affects more than 230 million people worldwide. In the U.S. alone, it’s estimated that more than 8.5 million people live with PAD, putting them at risk for serious complications.

Many people feel anxious when they’re diagnosed with a blood clot. It’s common to worry about how the clot may damage your health, and also to be concerned that you’ll experience more clots in the future. It’s important to be reassured that blood clots are treatable.

The American Heart Association (AHA) challenged doctors, dreamers, and innovators alike to design a new plan to cure coronary heart disease. Like thrombosis, coronary heart disease is one of many major concerns related to heart health.

We’re pleased to welcome Dr. Sanjiv Chopra to this edition of Patient Pulse. Dr. Chopra is a Professor of Medicine and serves as the Marshall Wolf Distinguished Clinician Educator at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He’s a sought-after inspirational speaker and addresses diverse audiences on topics related to medicine, leadership, happiness, and living with purpose. Most recently, he has written a book about coffee.

If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away or head to the closest emergency room.

In this edition of Patient Pulse, we’re pleased to welcome Dr. Miguel Divo for a discussion on vaping myths and realities. Dr. Divo is a pulmonary and critical care medicine specialist who cares for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and general needs in pulmonary medicine.

Cholesterol and Blood Clots: What’s the Connection?

Thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel. Healthcare professionals may also call it a thrombus. Thrombosis prevents blood from flowing through the circulatory system. Without blood flow, tissues and essential organs, like the heart, can’t get enough nutrients.

In this edition of Patient Pulse, we’re pleased to welcome Dr. Sara Folta for a discussion on nutrition after a cardiovascular event. Dr. Folta is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.

Once you’ve had a blood clot, your body might break it down and absorb it, depending on its size and location. In other cases, your body might not absorb the clot(s) but can still function without any problems.

In this edition of Patient Pulse, we’re pleased to welcome Dr. Elizabeth Halprin for a discussion on diabetes and heart health. Dr. Halprin is an adult endocrinologist, and her specialty is diabetes. She has a particular interest in diabetes and overall health in underserved populations. She is the Chief of Adult Diabetes at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, MA, where she has been practicing for 22 years.

In this edition of Patient Pulse, we’re pleased to welcome Dr. Jennifer Cluett for a discussion on blood pressure and why it matters. Dr. Cluett is a board-certified internal medicine physician and hypertension specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston, MA, and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She serves as founding Clinical Director of the BIDMC Hypertension Center and Hypertension Research Group. 

You might have heard that “sitting is the new smoking,” a phrase intended to draw attention to the health risks of both sitting and smoking. By now, we all know that smoking is very bad for you, but not everyone may be aware of how dangerous sitting may be. Many health experts are hoping to change that.

Dabigatran, also known as Pradaxa®, is a prescribed medication called an anticoagulant (sometimes called a blood thinner). It’s part of a class of medications called direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

This month, we welcome Dr. Benjamin Silverberg for a patient primer on blood clots and urgent care. Dr. Silverberg is a family medicine physician at WVU Medicine in Morgantown, West Virginia, where he holds a dual appointment in the Departments of Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine, and works in student health, travel medicine, and urgent care.

Post-thrombotic syndrome is a condition that can happen to people who have had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the leg. The condition can cause chronic pain, swelling, and other symptoms in your leg. It may develop in the weeks or months following a DVT.

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Annabelle Santos Volgman, Professor of Medicine at Rush University School of Medicine, for part 1 of a 3-part series on women’s heart health.

This month, we welcome David DeiCicchi, PharmD, CACP for a patient primer on nonmedical switching, an issue that recently affected many patients on anticoagulation. David is a board-certified anticoagulation care provider and is currently the Director of the Anticoagulation Management Service at Atrius Health, a large, multisite ambulatory care organization in Massachusetts.

The risk of another thrombotic event is increased after an initial stroke. These post-stroke complications include recurrent cerebrovascular events such as another stroke, cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction (MI, or heart attack), and venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT, or blood clots in the legs) or pulmonary embolus (PE, or blood clot in the lungs).

If you’ve had a blood clot, you’re probably no stranger to stress and anxiety, and yoga is a great tool to help you manage these feelings. “Yoga is like moving meditation. You get to move and clear your head.

Stress. Everyone deals with it in their lives, but too much of it can be very unhealthy. It can lead to heart disease, insomnia, high blood pressure, and more.

Tara Lech, PharmD is an Anticoagulation and Cardiovascular Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and currently serves as the Thrombosis Program Manager at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, MA. She recently joined NATF for an interactive Ask the Expert panel and answered several questions about anticoagulation, vitamins, supplements, herbs, and food. If you take a blood thinner, here’s what you should know.

Tennis champion Serena Williams recently opened up about a harrowing experience after giving birth to her daughter in 2017. Ms. Williams, who had a pulmonary embolism (PE) − a blood clot in her lungs − in 2010, ended up having multiple blood clots shortly after her daughter was born.

Telehealth has become an important tool for patients and providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are still many questions about whether it’s the right fit for all patients, since it can pose challenges and barriers for patients of different ages and backgrounds. 

Before starting a new exercise routine, please consult with your healthcare provider. If you’re taking anticoagulant medications, you are at an increased risk of bleeding.

This month, we welcome Marilyn Hill, PharmD, to talk about a topic that has become popular among patients that need to monitor their INR. Marilyn Hill is a pharmacist and Ambulatory Pharmacy Manager.

Inflammation has been found guilty of causing thrombosis in patients. This dynamic and complex subject is being explored across the medical community. While it is well known that there is a relationship between inflammation and thrombosis, researchers are exploring when, why, and how.

Dr. Steven Deitelzweig discusses opportunities for improving anticoagulant management, an evidence-based risk assessment, how pivotal trials and guidelines are used to select oral anticoagulants (OAC). He also provides information on selecting the right OAC for patients, how to manage bleeding events on a OAC, and strategies for an effective transition of care.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are a preventative treatment for pulmonary embolism (PE). While these devices play a crucial role in thrombosis management, many patients and healthcare providers still have questions about their use, effectiveness, and risks.

Dr. Welker interviews Dr. Auger regarding diagnosis and recent treatment options for CTEPH.

How much do you know about blood clots? VLN is working hard to spread awareness and save lives!

Dr. Arvind Pandey presents an engaging topic and helps answer questions about having a DVT or PE and what comes next on NATF’s December 2019 Online Support Group.

Julie Anderson, MD, FAAFP is a primary care physician (PCP) specializing in Family Medicine. She discusses the role of PCPs in managing chronic conditions such as blood clots, atrial fibrillation, and cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Marie Gerhard-Herman discusses the importance of stress management and how patients can re-direct their negative thoughts to lead a healthy life.

Dr. Christian Ruff discusses the connection between genetics and blood clots.

Dr. John Groarke discusses the important connection between cancer and VTE during VLN’s May 2019 online support group.

This month, Dr. JoAnn Manson, Chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, joins us for the last installment of our women’s heart health series.

In this episode of Patient Pulse, Dr. Elaine Hylek from Boston Medical Center covers an important topic for DVT Awareness Month: “Warfarin Isn’t Going Away.” Many patients still take warfarin for blood clot prevention and treatment, even though newer agents are available.

This month, we welcome Dr. Christian Ruff for an overview on genetic risk and blood clots. Dr. Ruff is the Director of General Cardiology in the Cardiovascular Division at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA, and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Taking a trip to the emergency department is something that very few people enjoy doing. It can be very stressful, there’s a lot of waiting involved, and it can be costly.

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the body. It plays a key role in how the body functions, but can also be harmful if there is too much of it. There are two types of cholesterol, the “bad” and the “good.”

What if genetic information could help in the battle against blood clots? One company, Unite Genomics, is trying to use genetic information and big data to help speed up the research being done on different disease states.

Wearable devices (smartwatches and fitness trackers) can tell us a lot about ourselves, from how many steps we’ve taken in a day to how much water we’ve had and how many calories we’ve burned. But can they accurately flag heart abnormalities? We spoke with Dr. Daniel Yazdi from Brigham and Women’s Hospital to find out more.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that’s unknown to many, yet it affects more than 230 million people worldwide. In the U.S. alone, it’s estimated that more than 8.5 million people live with PAD, putting them at risk for serious complications. Here’s what you need to know about this seemingly silent disease.

The heart has two upper chambers, the right atrium and left atrium, and two lower chambers, the right and left ventricles. The atria and ventricles work together to pump blood through the heart— but it’s your hearts electrical system that drives the process.

People who are diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE- a blood clot in the lungs) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT – a blood clot in the deep veins, typically in the legs) often have a lot of questions about when it is safe to start exercising, what exercises are safe for them to do, and what symptoms (if any) they might experience upon return to exercise.

It’s well-known that exercise is essential for heart health – but what else does it have to offer? More than you might think.

Dr. Gerhard-Herman sees the effects that stress can have on patients who are recovering from a cardiovascular disease, such as a blood clot. High levels of stress can have a dramatic impact on how a patient heals. Dr. Gerhard-Herman helps her patients recognize the signs of stress and arms them with simple techniques to better manage this stress.

It is well known that blood clots are bad for your health and that they cause medical issues, but what type of issues do they cause? More than you might think.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a silent killer that many people don’t know they have until they experience its consequences. Over 8.5 million Americans are living with this disease, which puts them at risk for stroke, heart attack, and more.

Inflammation is a hot topic in the medical community and has been shown to increase the risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular disease. However, you can reduce your risk of inflammation by monitoring your diet.

Navigating vascular health can feel overwhelming—from understanding lab results to choosing the right medications, and balancing lifestyle changes with day-to-day life. In our recent Ask-the-Expert session, Dr. Julie Anderson, family physician and past Minnesota AAFP chapter president, offered practical guidance for patients at every step.

In this episode of Patient Pulse, Dr. Clifford Rosen, Professor of Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, talks about the role of vitamin D in heart, lung, and related diseases.

The Watchman is a permanent implant placed in the left atrial appendage of a patient’s heart. After experiencing atrial fibrillation, the left atrial appendage is where thrombosis is most likely to develop in the heart.

Dr. David Jenkins presents on the effects of combining in Selenium with other antioxidants for cardiovascular disease during VLN’s November 2019 online support group.

Dr. Kithcart discusses the health consequences and recurrence risks of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).