What is thrombosis prophylaxis?
The aim of thrombosis prophylaxis is to prevent thrombosis and its most serious complication – pulmonary embolism – with suitable measures, medications and aids. Thrombosis prophylaxis can be physical or medicinally based: in daily life, during periods of immobility and on long journeys.
Birth control pills and relapses: Some people are at increased risk
Among other things, people who have had thrombosis before have an increased risk of getting it again. In that case we speak of a relapse. Therefore, it is important to understand the individual risk factors. These include, for example, taking hormonal contraceptives or suffering from congenital coagulation disorders. Obesity, prolonged sitting and lack of exercise in general also promote the development of thrombosis.
Note: If you suffer from heavy, swollen legs, you should always have a venous disease ruled out by a doctor.
What are the ways to prevent thrombosis?
The aim of medicinal thrombosis prophylaxis is to influence blood coagulation as well as blood and circulatory factors. Physical thrombosis use mechanical options to improve venous return blood flow. The doctor will decide on the type, duration and dosage of the measures.
Medicinal thrombosis prophylaxis including:
- Coumarins (e.g. Marcumar tablets): anticoagulant mechanism
- Dextrans (infusion): Improvement of the flow properties of the blood
- Heparin (injections): controlled reduction of the ability of the blood to clot
Physical thrombosis prophylaxis:
- Travel stockings for long journeys by air
- Medical compression stockings for venous disease patients
- Medical thrombosis prophylaxis stockings in hospital
- Exercises for thrombosis prophylaxis, for example venous gymnastics
Those who know their risks can also do a great deal to prevent thrombosis in everyday life:
- Drink plenty of liquids
- Exercise/get moving – take the stairs instead of the lift
- Get up regularly (during mostly sedentary activities)
- Do not create bends in the blood vessels (folded/crossed legs, squatting position)
- Vein therapy gymnastics
- Examination of the veins during pregnancy
- Alternative contraception to the pill, if applicable
- Medicinal and physical prevention after medical consultation
medi products for thrombosis prophylaxis
Various mediven compression stockings can be used for thrombosis prevention and therapy:
- Medical compression stockings in different compression classes
- Travel stockings
- Medical thrombosis prophylaxis stockings in the hospital
Diagnosis & treatment
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Diagnosis & treatment
Sources
1 Hofmann J, Nissen H, Strube K. Thrombose und Lungenembolie. Venenratgeber. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Angiologie – Gesellschaft für Gefäßmedizin e. V. 2019;7:12.
Health personnel will make the diagnosis and can prescribe medical aids, e.g. from medi if necessary.
Your medical retailer will fit them individually for you.
