How to reduce your risk of having a pulmonary embolism

In most cases, a pulmonary embolism happens when a blood clot travels up to your lungs from a vein in your body, usually in your leg. This is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The blood clot causes a blockage in a blood vessel in your lungs.

Some people are at a higher risk of DVT, which can cause a pulmonary embolism. This includes people who:

• are overweight
• are pregnant or have given birth in the last six weeks
• have had surgery in the last two months
• have had a serious injury to their arm or leg
• have had a clot in their leg or lungs before
• stay in bed for a long time
• smoke 
• take some forms of hormone-based contraception or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) 
• have cancer or are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

There are also times when you’re at higher risk of a DVT. For example, if you’re on bed rest for more than five days, or go on a long flight, train or car journey that lasts for over three hours.

This is because when you don’t move much, blood tends to collect in the lower parts of your body, especially in your lower legs. Usually this is not a problem because your blood flow increases when you start to move again. 

But, if you do not move for a long time, the flow of blood around your body can slow and blood clots can form. This can cause a DVT that can break off and cause a pulmonary embolism.

You can reduce your risk of blood clots by leading a healthier lifestyle. This includes:

• stopping smoking- if you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health
• getting regular exercise
• not sitting still for a long time such as when watching TV, using a computer or on long journeys
• drinking lots of water to avoid getting dehydrated
• staying a healthy weight, by eating a healthy balanced diet.

As a pulmonary embolism is often caused by deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it’s important to try to prevent DVT.

If you're being treated in hospital or are on bed rest at home for another condition, your medical team will try to prevent you getting DVT. After surgery, you should move around or do leg exercises as soon as it's safe to do so.

Should I wear compression stockings?

Compression stockings fit tightly round your lower legs and help your blood to flow more quickly around your body. You should only wear them if a healthcare professional prescribes them for you.

There are other things you can do to prevent a travel-related DVT on long journeys:

• wear loose, comfortable clothes
• do leg stretching exercises - bend and straighten your legs, feet and toes every 30 minutes when you’re sitting
• walk around whenever you can
• wear flight socks
• drink water regularly.

If you’re at higher risk of developing blood clots, speak to your healthcare professional before travelling long distances. The NHS has a useful webpage on how to prevent DVT when you travel.