Lifestyle Changes After a Blood Clot

Originally shared in our March Online Support Group, 2018.

In this video, Dr. Aaron Kithcart discusses lifestyle changes that patients need to make after a blood clot during VLN's March online support group.

Overview

Dr. Kithcart discusses the health consequences and recurrence risks of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). While anticoagulation is the standard treatment and reduces recurrence by up to 80%, lifestyle changes can further reduce risks and improve overall health. Smoking, high BMI, and diabetes are key risk factors.

The American Heart Association's "Life's Simple 7" framework provides actionable lifestyle recommendations: get active, control cholesterol, eat better, manage blood pressure, lose weight, reduce blood sugar, and stop smoking. Regular exercise and even small amounts of activity are beneficial and safe for most VTE patients.

Dietary changes, while not directly proven to reduce VTE risk, promote a healthy weight. Mental health effects of VTE are significant, and mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga can help manage stress. The key message is to focus on achievable improvements rather than perfection.

Key Points:

1. VTE, including DVT and PE, affects 1 in 12 Americans. Up to 1/3 die within a month, and survivors face recurrence rates of 25% at 5 years and 50% at 10 years.

2. Anticoagulation reduces recurrence by 80% but comes with bleeding risks. Newer agents are comparable to warfarin in efficacy.

3. Lifestyle factors like smoking, high BMI (>30), and diabetes increase VTE recurrence risk. Weight loss and activity are most beneficial for risk reduction.

4. The AHA's "Life's Simple 7" provides a lifestyle framework: get active, control cholesterol, eat better, manage blood pressure, lose weight, reduce blood sugar, stop smoking. Meeting most goals reduced VTE risk by 44%.

5. Physical activity is safe and beneficial for VTE patients, even in small amounts. Avoid contact/collision sports while on blood thinners. Any increase in activity lowers mortality risk.

6. No specific diet is proven to reduce VTE risk, but healthier eating promotes a healthy weight. Vitamin K intake should be consistent for those on warfarin.

7. VTE often decreases quality of life and causes anxiety and depression. Symptoms like leg heaviness, swelling, and pain are common.

8. Mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga can help manage the omnipresent stress of VTE recovery. Older patients may prefer meditation while younger ones favor yoga.

9. Focus on achievable improvements rather than perfection. Small changes in activity, diet, and stress management accumulate for better health. Positivity and optimism enhance the benefits.

10. Discuss any concerns or lifestyle goals with your doctor. Establish a trusted long-term relationship for VTE management and overall wellbeing. Staying active and engaged, at any level, profoundly impacts long-term health.