Are you at risk of a Blood Clot?

How will you know if you’re at risk?

Whether or not you spend an extended period of time in hospital, you could have a high blood clot risk.¹ Up to 32,000 people die every year in the UK due to a potentially preventable blood clot whilst in hospital.¹ It can happen to anyone, as being unable to move around very much, which can happen when you’re in hospital, can cause it.¹ There are some other factors that can increase this risk, so think about whether any of these apply to you:^1,3

• Had previous surgery?
• Pregnant?
• Obese?
• On any kind of medication? Certain types can increase your risk.
• Unable to move around much?
• Have cancer?
• Suffer from heart failure?
• Have high blood levels of homocysteine? Ask your doctor about this.
• Have a blood disorder? Some can increase your risk.
• Have kidney problems?
• Have a problem with blood clotting?
• Had a dangerous blood clot before?
• Have a family history of blood clots?

If you think you’re at risk, speak up

If any of the factors above apply to you, make sure you tell your ward doctor or nurse if you spend time in hospital. It could also be a good idea to tell your loved ones that you are at increased risk of dangerous blood clots, because spending time in hospital isn’t always planned. That way, you can be sure that someone you know is looking out for you, and can tell the ward doctor or nurse on your behalf.

Your doctor or nurse may have already performed a blood clot risk assessment on you without you knowing, but if they haven’t, letting them know that you think you may be at risk could make all the difference. They could perform several tests for blood clots,¹ and if they diagnose blood clots and they treat for it, it could save your life.¹ They could also prevent a blood clot from happening in the first place.¹ Also make sure you know what warning signs to look out for by visiting the Facts and Figures section of this website. If you spot any, tell your doctor or nurse straight away. You can find out more about what to do next in the next section, Take Action, as well as in the free, downloadable booklet.

Look out for yourself and your loved ones and stop the clot!

 

I feel it is essential to raise public awareness to help... address this tragedy, which has a devastating impact on many thousands of people and their families
throughout the UK. 

Is someone you care about at risk?

If someone you care about is going into hospital, or is currently in hospital, they could be at high risk of developing a dangerous blood clot.¹ Take a look at the list above to see the factors that can increase this risk, and think about whether your loved one ticks any of the boxes.¹,³ If someone you care about is in hospital, it can be a difficult and confusing time, with a lot going on and a lot to think about.

If they haven’t already spoken to their ward doctor or nurse, you could help them by being their voice. Ask their doctor or nurse if they have been through a blood clot risk assessment, particularly if they tick any of the boxes mentioned before. If there is a risk of a blood clot forming, it could be prevented with the right treatment,¹ or if one is found, it could be treated and the risk of it becoming dangerous could be reduced.³ Also make sure you know what warning signs to look out for by visiting the Facts and Figures section of this website.