In this article, we outline the various treatments for blood clots and provide tips on the prevention and long-term management of blood clotting disorders.

Some clots may also fail to dissolve fully once an injury has healed. These clots can travel through the circulatory system and may end up restricting blood supply to a vital organ. These types of blood clot are very serious and require urgent treatment.

Blood clotting is a vital process that prevents excessive bleeding following an injury to a blood vessel. However, a blood clot can sometimes form inside a blood vessel that has not sustained any damage.

The treatment options for blood clots depend on a person’s overall health and the location of the blood clot.

Anticoagulant medications

Share on Pinterest A doctor may prescribe anticoagulant medications to treat blood clots.

In most cases, a doctor will prescribe anticoagulant medications, which people often refer to as blood thinners. These medications reduce the body’s ability to form new clots, while also preventing existing clots from getting bigger.

Doctors usually deliver anticoagulant medications during the first 5–10 days after the diagnosis of a blood clot.

Some people may continue taking anticoagulants for weeks, months, or even years to keep clots from returning.

The most common anticoagulant medications include:

Unfractionated heparin

Unfractionated heparin (UFH) works with antithrombin — a protein in the body — to prevent new clots from forming.

A doctor will administer UFH intravenously or via an injection just beneath the skin to allow the drug to work quickly.

Blood levels of UFH may change intermittently throughout the day. For this reason, a person receiving UFH will require several blood tests daily.

Low molecular weight heparin

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) comes from UFH. The effects of LMWH on the body last longer than those of UFH and are more predictable.

People taking LMWH can self-inject it at home, and they do not require routine blood monitoring.

Warfarin

Warfarin works by interfering with the production of vitamin K. The liver uses vitamin K to make proteins necessary for blood clotting.

A doctor may prescribe warfarin pills for people who are transitioning from heparin treatment.

Throughout the first week of treatment, a person will require several blood tests so that doctors can determine the correct dosage. Once a person has an established dosage, routine blood monitoring will be necessary to prevent the risk of uncontrolled bleeding.

Direct oral anticoagulant medications

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are a newer class of anticoagulants. These drugs directly target the specific proteins responsible for blood clotting.

DOACs act rapidly, and their effects on the body are short lasting. Missing a dose can increase the risk of blood clots.

When a person takes them correctly, DOACs carry fewer risks than warfarin. They are less likely to cause bleeding and to interact with foods, supplements, and other medications.

However, they tend to be more expensive. It is also vital that people do not miss their regular doses.

Some DOAC drugs include:

apixaban (Eliquis)

betrixaban (BevyxXa)

dabigatran (Pradaxa)

edoxaban (Savaysa)

rivaroxaban (Xarelto)

Compression stockings

People who develop a blood clot in one of the deep veins in the arms and legs, called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), may go on to experience postthrombotic syndrome (PTS). In people with PTS, the damaged blood vessels become swollen and painful.

Compression stockings are elasticated stockings that fit over the foot and extend up to the calf or groin. These stockings are tight at the foot but get looser further up the leg.

This design assists blood flow out of the lower legs and back up toward the heart, helping relieve the symptoms of PTS.

Compressions stockings are available either on prescription or over the counter at most major drugstores. A pharmacist will need to measure the leg to ensure that the stockings fit correctly.

Thrombolytics

Thrombolytics are drugs that dissolve blood clots. A doctor may give a thrombolytic intravenously, or they may use a catheter in the vein, which will allow them to deliver the drug directly to the site of the clot.

Thrombolytics can increase the risk of bleeding, however. Doctors usually only recommend them for people who have very large clots or clots that do not resolve with anticoagulant treatment.

These drugs may also be an option for people who have persistent and debilitating PTS.

Surgical thrombectomy

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a blood clot from a vein or artery. This procedure is called a thrombectomy.

A thrombectomy may be necessary for clots that are very large or are causing severe damage to nearby tissues.

People should talk to their surgeon about what to expect during the procedure.

In most cases, the surgeon will make a cut in the area above the blood clot. After removing the clot, the surgeon may insert a small tube or “stent” into the blood vessel to keep it open. They will then close off the blood vessel to restore blood flow.

Vena cava filters

The vena cava is a large vein in the abdomen that transports blood from the lower body back up to the heart and lungs.

A DVT in the legs can sometimes travel up to the lungs through the vena cava. When the clot moves to the lungs and blocks blood flow, it is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). A surgeon may insert a filter into the vena cava to prevent clots from passing through the vein.

The surgeon inserts the filter by making a small incision in a vein in the neck or groin. A series of X-rays helps the surgeon correctly position the filter inside the vena cava.

Doctors usually only use this procedure for people who are at high risk of developing a pulmonary embolism and those who cannot take anticoagulants.