Q18. Can you prevent deep vein thrombosis?

A18. There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of DVT. These include losing weight (if you are overweight or obese), stop smoking (if you are a smoker), take exercise and wearing compression stockings when travelling.

If you are in a high risk group then your GP can advise you about ways of minimising the risk.

Unfortunately if you have a family history of deep vein thrombosis or other similar conditions then you need to be aware of this and look at ways of reducing your risk.

This does not mean that you will definitely get DVT but that your chances of doing so are higher then those for someone who does not have this history.

Age is another factor. There is more chance of developing this as you get older which is due to the fact that your veins work less efficiently as you age.

For more information visit our deep vein thrombosis section.

FAQS Index:

Varicose veins FAQs

• Q1. What are varicose veins?
• Q2. Do varicose veins only develop in your legs?
• Q3. Who is most likely to get varicose veins
• Q4. Why do women get varicose veins more than men?
• Q5. What causes varicose veins?
• Q6. What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
• Q7. How are varicose veins diagnosed?
• Q8. What is the treatment for varicose veins?
• Q9. Are there long term problems with varicose veins?
• Q10. How do you prevent varicose veins?

• Q11. Can you inherit varicose veins?
• Q12. How do compression stockings work?
• Q13. What is endovenous laser ablation?
• Q14. What is sclerotherapy?
• Q15. Does sitting with your legs crossed cause varicose veins?
• Q16. What is deep vein thrombosis?
• Q17. Does travelling cause deep vein thrombosis?
• Q18. Can you prevent deep vein thrombosis?
• Q19. How do you treat deep vein thrombosis?
• Q20. Are varicose veins the same as thread veins?

Guide to Varicose Veins

• Guide to Varicose Veins
• Your leg veins
• Varicose veins
• Causes of varicose veins
• Symptoms of varicose veins
• Diagnosing varicose veins
• Treating varicose veins
• Non-surgical treatment for varicose veins
• Coil embolisation
• Sclerotherapy
• Foam sclerotherapy
• Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy
• Lifestyle changes
• Compression stockings

• Surgical treatment for varicose veins
• Vein ligation and stripping
• Endoscopic perforator vein surgery
• Latest treatments
• Ambulatory phlebectomy
• Endovenous laser treatment
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Transilluminated powered phlebectomy
• Complications of varicose veins
• Preventing varicose veins
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Varicose veins FAQs
• Glossary