In some cases, people may need to take these medications for much longer than this or for the rest of their lives. Anticoagulants do not dissolve the existing clot, but they prevent more from forming.
In most cases, the body then breaks down the existing clot on its own. These include:. People will need to speak with their doctor about when it is safe for them to exercise again after experiencing a pulmonary embolism and what types of exercise are best.
According to the National Blood Clot Alliance , gentle exercise, such as swimming and walking, can be a suitable choice. If people are taking blood thinning medication, it is important they do not overexert themselves during physical activity.
People taking anticoagulants may need to avoid certain foods that can interact with their medication. This includes foods that are high in vitamin K , such as:. People may also need to avoid alcohol , aspirin , and some over-the-counter sleeping pills, as these can increase the risk of bleeding.
Because green leafy vegetables are a good source of nutrients, such as iron and folate , people may need to get these nutrients from other sources.
People can discuss this, as well as possible interactions and side effects of anticoagulants, with a doctor or pharmacist.
According to the Society for Vascular Surgery , after a blood clot forms, the risk of further problems or complications is highest during the first 7 days. If people need to travel after experiencing a blood clot, they may need to wait a few weeks.
A doctor can help decide when it is safe to travel again. In most cases, the hope is your body will eventually dissolve the clot on its own. Clot dissolvers called thrombolytics are a medication reserved for life-threatening situations because they can cause sudden and severe bleeding. For a very large, life-threatening clot, doctors may suggest removing it via a thin, flexible tube catheter threaded through your blood vessels. While a pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening, most patients survive and need to learn how to live with the risk of recurrence.
The length of treatment depends on the underlying cause. Appropriate caution must be taken due to the bleeding risk when on anticoagulants. Your doctor may suggest staying away from certain foods such as foods rich in vitamin K , alcohol, or some over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin and sleeping pills.
It is also important for people taking blood thinners to be careful not to over-exert themselves during exercise. Compression socks are a helpful tool for preventing PE occurrences. Because pulmonary embolism often starts in the legs, the increased pressure on the leg muscles forces blood to move, discouraging clots.
In the rare circumstances in which blood thinners cannot be used or do not seem to be working, your physician may suggest an inferior vena cava IVC filter. Back to top Article Information. Access your subscriptions. Access through your institution. Add or change institution.
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Save your search. Customize your interests. Create a personal account or sign in to:. Privacy Policy. Make a comment. In some cases, it may be possible to return to work within weeks. Physical activity is often encouraged after a PE, as it can improve both circulation and lung function.
It may be a good idea to start out with low-intensity activities, such as walking or yoga. As you recover, you can slowly begin increasing the intensity of your activities. During your follow-up appointments, ask your doctor for exercise recommendations.
Based on the progression of your recovery, they can help give you an idea of what level of physical activity is appropriate. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, your body needs time to heal and recover. Take some time every couple of hours to get up and walk around for a few minutes. Here are some potentially serious complications that are important to keep an eye out for as you recover from a PE. Increased bleeding is a side effect of blood-thinning medications.
This can be serious, so seek medical attention right away if you notice any of the following while on blood thinners:. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, nearly 1 in 3 people who have a venous blood clot, like deep vein thrombosis DVT or PE, will experience another in the next 10 years. In some people who have had a PE, scar tissue can form in nearby arteries, causing them to become narrower. This can lead to a condition called pulmonary hypertension.
The American Lung Association recommends making an appointment with your doctor to be tested for pulmonary hypertension if you still have trouble with breathing 6 months after your PE.
If not, PE can become life threatening. In fact, with prompt care, mortality from PE drops from 30 percent to 8 percent. The recovery period can vary by individual. While many people can recover completely over a period of weeks or months, others may take longer.
As you recover and increase your activity levels, be sure to pay attention to what your body is telling you.
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