DVT and Exercise
Simple low-impact exercise can help you lose weight and may even help you reduce
your risk of developing DVT. By increasing your movement, you encourage blood circulation;
alternatively, when the muscles of the leg are inactive, blood can collect in the
lower extremities, which increases your DVT risk.
Even just 30 minutes a day of a moderate activity, like walking or gardening,
can help increase your circulation and make it easier to lose excess weight.
If you've been immobile for a long time, start slowly and gradually build up to
the desired level. Walking, gardening, yard work, dancing, and housework are all
considered exercise and should be performed on a daily basis.
As you become more comfortable and physically fit, slowly increase your time or
pace. When you are ready, modify your routine to include aerobic activities such
as jogging, cycling, or skipping rope. You want to increase your heart rate, but
you don't want to reach a point where you feel short of breath.
Some types of activity may improve the condition of your heart and lungs, but only
if they are brisk, sustained, and regular. Low-intensity activities do not condition
the heart and lungs quite as much, but they may have other long-term health benefits.
The key to success is to choose activities that you enjoy and will continue doing
on a regular basis. For more activities that focus on maintaining mobility in
settings where mobility may be restricted – such as hospitals, at the office or
in assisted living facilities, the Coalition to Prevent DVT has launched a program
called DVT Awareness In Motion. Click here for more information.
The Coalition hopes to motivate individuals to increase blood flow to help reduce the risk of DVT.
When the muscles of the legs are active, they help improve circulation by pushing
the blood back to the heart. Although certain individuals may be at an increased
risk for developing DVT, it can occur in almost anyone. So, it’s important to maintain
regular mobility to sustain proper blood circulation.
Increasing mobility or exercising is one of the ways that you can help manage your risk of developing DVT.
For more ways to take action to reduce your risk, visit DVT Prevention & Risk Management
Before beginning any new diet or exercise program, always consult with your healthcare
provider.