Am I still at risk when I leave the hospital?
It is still possible that you could be at risk of
developing a clot when you leave hospital.
Therefore, you should continue to follow the
advice given to you by your healthcare team.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed
above, please contact your GP immediately.
Further information
Hairmyres Hospital
East Kilbride G75 8RG
Telephone 01355 585000
Monklands Hospital
Monkscourt Avenue, Airdrie ML6 0JS
Telephone 01236 748748
Reducing
your risk of
blood clots
Wishaw General Hospital
50 Netherton Street, Wishaw ML2 0DP
Telephone 01698 361100
If you have any questions while in hospital,
please ask a member of your healthcare team.
NHS inform – The national health information
service for Scotland. www.nhsinform.co.uk
Tel No: 0800 22 44 88
References
The information contained within this leaflet
is based on guidance published in the Scottish
Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN)
guideline number 122 ‘Prevention and
Management of Venous Thromboembolism’
available at: www.sign.ac.uk.
Based upon information leaflet 8590 Reducing your risk of
blood clots, originally published by NHS Greater Glasgow and
Clyde (030309). Produced with permission.
5
Advice for adults coming into hospital
Haematology Department
If you need this information
in another language or
format, please contact the
NHS Lanarkshire General Enquiry
Line on 0300 3030 243 or e-mail
info2@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
www.patientopinion.org.uk
Thank you to all members of the VTE
patient information group for the time and
commitment given to produce this leaflet.
Reducing your risk of blood clots
NHS inform - The national health
information service for Scotland.
www.nhsinform.co.uk
Tel No: 0800 22 44 88
Pub. date:
May 2015
Review date:
May 2017
Issue No:
Department:
03
Haematology
PIL.BLDCLT.71622.L
Design - Medical Illustration, NHS Lanarkshire
When you go home, please contact your GP,
Practice Nurse or NHS 24 (Tel: 111) for advice
if required.
What are blood clots?
A blood clot, or ‘deep vein thrombosis’
(DVT), usually forms in the deep veins within
the legs, but it can happen elsewhere in the
body too.
 If you have been prescribed compression
Blood clots can
occur in the calf,
the thigh, the
arms or the lungs
 You may be asked to wear an
If the clot moves, or a piece breaks off and
travels to the lung, it is called a ‘pulmonary
embolism’ (PE). A PE is a serious condition
that may result in serious illness, long term
disability or even death.
‘intermittent pneumatic compression
device’ on one or both lower legs. This is
wrapped around your calf, is connected
to a small box and massages the lower
leg. It should be worn when in bed or
in a chair, but be disconnected when
walking.
Help us to reduce your risk
On admission to hospital
When you come into hospital, your
healthcare team should discuss with you
how to reduce the risk of you developing
a blood clot.
Your healthcare team may consist of
doctors, nurses, midwives, physiotherapists,
occupational therapists, dieticians,
pharmacists and others.
Am I at risk of developing a blood clot?
Everyone can be at risk of developing a blood
clot. Some people are at higher risk at certain
times in their life, such as when pregnant or
being admitted to hospital. Sometimes it can
happen for no reason at all.
Please ask a member of your healthcare team
if you have been assessed.
2 Reducing your risk of blood clots
stockings (white elastic stockings) please wear them as instructed. If these
fall down, or are too tight, inform a
member of your healthcare team.
Please note: Smoking is now prohibited in
all hospital buildings, vehicles and grounds.
What can I do to reduce my risk
of developing a clot?
 Ask any member of your healthcare team if
you are at risk of developing a blood clot.
 Follow any instructions that you have
How will I know if I develop a clot?
The following symptoms may indicate the
presence of a clot:
 Tight, throbbing pain in the leg
(usually the calf)
been given about medication that has
been prescribed for you.
 Swelling of the legs or arms (either new,
 Get up and about (when advised by your
 Any redness or heat in the calf or leg or arm
healthcare team that it is safe to do so).
 Do any exercises recommended to you
by your healthcare team.
 Drink plenty of water, unless advised not
to by your healthcare team.
 Stop smoking. If you need help to stop
smoking contact your local Practice
Nurse or ask to be referred to the
Smoking Cessation Service.
or swelling that is getting worse)
 Shortness of breath
 Coughing up blood/blood in your spit
 Chest pain
Tell your healthcare team if you experience
any of the above symptoms.
Reducing your risk of blood clots
4