With the recent reports and subsequent debunking of claims that a COVID-19 vaccine increases the risk of blood clots, we speak to experts to shed light on what can actually cause blood clots and how to prevent them.
More than half of the UK population, [at time of writing, 37 million people] have so far had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination. While there is still hesitancy among some groups about having their vaccination for a number of reasons, recent reports that some people developed blood clots following their COVID-19 vaccination needed to be examined closely. Clinical guidance now assures people that the number of cases of blood clots following vaccination isn’t higher than the number of people who would naturally have gotten a blood clot, vaccination or not. The European Union has approved the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine after pausing the rollout, so it is safe to receive.
Interest in blood clots has surged because of this recent news so we spoke to clinicians at myGP to give you accurate information about what can contribute to blood clots, and how you can prevent them.
Contraception
Oestrogen-based contraceptives can contribute to your risk of a blood clot. Not only the pill, but patches, injections, or vaginal rings that deliver oestrogen to the blood stream can all cause an increased risk. Because of hormone changes, this can cause blood cells to form clots.
The risk of blood clots when on oestrogen-based contraceptives is higher in:
- Those with a family history of blood clots.
- Those who have had surgery.
- Those who are obese.
- Those who go on prolonged travel.
It’s important to know which contraception best suits us. We might have fewer side effects on a specific type, we can access it easily and order prescriptions online, or generally prefer a certain method. To reduce your risk of blood clots while on oestrogen-based contraception, you should:
- Maintain a healthy weight with diet and regular exercise.
- Drink enough water, particularly when travelling.
- Wear compression socks – get advice from your GP on this.
- Be aware of the symptoms – these may include chest pain, shortness of breath, upper body discomfort including int he arms, back, jaw, or neck, speech changes, paralysis, trouble speaking, and redness, pain, warmth, or swelling in the lower leg.
“Oestrogen-based contraceptives can contribute to your risk of a blood clot.”
Pregnancy
Did you know that if you’re pregnant or have recently given birth, you are at higher risk of blood clots? Pregnant women are five times more likely to have a blood clot than a woman who isn’t pregnant.
Due to changes a woman’s body will go through, including less blood flow getting to the legs of pregnant women due to the pressure of a growing baby on the pelvis and limited mobility, this can increase the risk of blood clots.
You should speak to your doctor about your risk and if you have any and be aware of the symptoms.
Prolonged bed rest
Blood clots can arise due to prolonged bed rest. It is important to keep your blood flowing when you’re immobile for a significant period of time. For example, if you’re ill or are recovering from surgery, you need to keep your limbs active to encourage blood flow.
Compression stockings can also aid with this, designed to apply pressure to your legs to maintain blood flow.
“Blood clots can arise due to prolonged bed rest.”
Smoking
Smoking can contribute to a vast majority of health problems, so it isn’t surprising that smoking cigarettes is on the list.
As well as damaging nearly every organ in your body, smoking is the leading preventable cause of disease and death. Smoking significantly increases your risk of blood clots and will contribute to platelets sticking together, which are small cell fragments in our blood that clot to prevent bleeding. Smoking damages blood vessel lining, which can cause clots to form.
Atherosclerosis can arise from smoking, where plaque in the blood builds and sticks to the artery walls. These plaques of blood make your arteries smaller which reduces blood flow and can lead to blood clots.
- a heart attack
- blockages
- stroke
- coronary heart disease
Tips to stop smoking
Quitting smoking can be difficult – after all, it is an addiction. However, don’t feel like you are a “lost cause” and that the damage has already been done. There is always time for you to better your health. Did you know that there are health benefits even after eight to 12 hours after quitting? Your blood carbon monoxide levels drop. Two to three weeks after quitting, your risk of heart attack drops. One year after quitting, your risk of heart disease will be cut in half. 10 years after quitting, your risk of lung cancer falls to the same level of someone who never smoked.
If you’re looking to stop smoking, be positive. Follow these NHS guidelines to put down the cigarettes for good.
“COVID-19 can cause blood clots, not the vaccination against it.”
COVID-19
Lastly, COVID-19 can cause blood clots, not the vaccination against it. They are seen in people who have been hospitalised with the virus. According to Healthline, 31 per cent of these patients had blood clot related complications – it isn’t just old people that are at risk, but young people too.
To reduce your risk, you can follow the tips discussed throughout this article, like maintaining a healthy weight, regularly exercising, drinking water, and avoiding smoking.
