Cardiologists Are Begging People To Stop Doing This One Thing ASAP To Help Prevent Blood Clots originally appeared on Parade.
According to the National Blood Clot Alliance, approximately 274 people die every day from blood clots. Recent research also suggests that there are over 900,000 blood clot cases per year. For most people, the thought of getting a blood clot is scary (understandable!), so wanting to prevent them is of top priority.
Believe it or not, blood clots—as scary as they sound—are a normal part of your body’s process. Blood clots are gel-like masses that form when blood solidifies from a liquid state. The problem—and life-threatening part—arises when blood clots abnormally within vessels, or break loose and travel to other parts of the body.
Ahead, we spoke with cardiologists to find out what you can do to prevent these abnormal blood clots, plus other ways to keep your body as healthy as possible.
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The One Thing Cardiologists Say To Stop Doing To Help Prevent Blood Clots
Dr. Danielle Belardo, MD, a preventative cardiologist based in Los Angeles, says you should try to stop being inactive and add more exercise into your routine in a way that is safe and healthy for you.
“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps to keep your blood flowing and, in turn, reduce the risk of clots,” Dr. Belardo says. “When you move your muscles regularly, it helps improve circulation and prevents blood from pooling, which can ultimately help to lower your risk.”
In the same vein, Dr. Mohanakrishnan Sathyamoorthy, MD, a board-certified cardiologist and chair of internal medicine at Burnett School of Medicine at TCU, adds that exercise is so important for muscles and the resulting flow helps prevent something called stasis (pooling of the blood), which is a major cause of blood clots.
Related: I’m a Cardiologist, and This ‘Relaxing’ Habit Is Actually Harming Your Heart Health
What Causes Blood Clots?
The cause of blood clots can vary based on the location, but for the sake of this article, we’re going to focus on those in the arteries and veins.
“There are a variety of reasons for clots to form in the peripheral circulation including some related to diseases that increase the tendency of blood to clot, and others because of an abnormality of the blood vessels themselves,” says Dr. Peter Kowey, MD, a cardiologist, professor of medicine and clinical pharmacology at Thomas Jefferson University and author of upcoming book Failure to Treat.
Other symptoms of blood clots, according to Dr. Belardo, include things like coughing up blood, a racing heartbeat, feeling lightheaded, trouble breathing, chest pain or tightness, or noticing swelling, warmth or a change in skin color, especially in your arms or legs.
Dr. Sathyamoorthy adds that swelling on one side of the body, which comes out of nowhere (typically the lower legs—think calves) and is associated with pain/discomfort, particularly with flexion, is a sign you’ll want to keep an eye on.
Other Ways to Prevent Blood Clots
Get moving
As mentioned above, staying active is one of the most important things you can do to prevent blood clots. This is particularly important if you have a sedentary job or find yourself on a long flight and you aren’t up and moving. For example, Dr. Kowey recommends walking around the cabin every couple of hours during a long flight to keep the blood moving if you’re able to do so.
Even if you’re not flying, it’s important to find ways to incorporate movement and exercise into your routine in a way that is feasible and doable for you. For example, for some people that may involve taking the stairs over the elevator or going on walks with a friend.
Stay hydrated
According to Dr. Kowey, staying well hydrated, especially in hot weather, is important to prevent increased blood viscosity that can increase the chances of a clot. You’ll want to check with your doctor to see how much water you need to be drinking per day and make sure you’re drinking enough.
Related: I’m a Cardiologist, and This Is the One Thing I Add to Almost Every Meal
Understand your risk factors
As with many health conditions, it’s important to understand your risk factors. According to the American Heart Association, some risk factors for blood clots include obesity, diabetes, pregnancy, advanced age, immobility and smoking.
Dr. Belardo recommends using Bayer Aspirin’s 2-minute Heart Health Risk Assessment at SeeYourRisks.com. It’s quick, easy and a great way to get a clearer picture of where you stand in terms of your overall heart health.
While screening tests can be helpful, you’ll want to talk to your doctor about your specific medical circumstances and history to get a better idea of how you can take the best care of yourself.
Related:The Silent Symptom That Could Be a Sign of Heart Trouble
See a doctor
When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with your doctor about blood clots and any other medical concerns you have.
“There are simple, non-invasive tests to diagnose a deep venous or arterial clot and good medication to treat the problem safely,” Dr. Kowey explains. “Once the problem is treated, it may be necessary to take blood thinners for several weeks or months to prevent a recurrence while the vessel heals.”
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Cardiologists Are Begging People To Stop Doing This One Thing ASAP To Help Prevent Blood Clots first appeared on Parade on Jul 23, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
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