Prevention of Blood Clots in Deep Veins (Venous Thromboembolism) Information for Patients with Hip Fracture Why are blood clots in deep veins a serious concern? Blood clots in deep veins are not normal. They prevent blood from circulating, and are caused by one or more factors. Hip fracture surgery patients are at high risk of developing this. Prolonged bedrest, dehydration, injury to the veins and substantial blood loss due to the fracture itself and during surgery are risk factors. Blood clots formed in our leg veins (deep venous thrombosis, or DVT) can travel to the lungs and block blood supply to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) which can be fatal.
Am I at risk? Yes, you are as you have one or more of the below risk factors. Please alert a healthcare professional if you experience these symptoms: • Pain, warmth and swelling in one or both legs • Difficulty and/or pain when breathing • Chest pain which worsens with deep breaths • Coughing out blood • Rapid heartbeat
Blood flow Detached blood clot
Valve Normal
Valve DVT
Blood clots
What can I do to prevent the development of blood clots? You will be prescribed anticoagulants and/or asked to put on a compression calf pump. Both aim to improve the blood circulation in your legs to prevent the formation of blood clots. Anticoagulants
Compression Calf Pump
You will be given anticoagulants for up to 5 weeks. Please alert a healthcare professional if you experience pain, bleeding or bruises at the injection site.
You may perspire or feel warm when wearing the compression calf pump. They can prevent blood clots in your leg veins, so please bear with the discomfort.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
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