Introduction
Pulmonary embolism is an extremely dangerous disease that in its most acute form can have fatal consequences. Special attention should therefore be paid to the prevention of pulmonary embolism. Since pulmonary embolisms are usually the result of blood clots, the most important preventive measure is thrombosis prophylaxis (prevention of a blood clot).
This includes measures such as physical activity and exercise or avoiding absolute immobility. Drug therapy also plays an important role. Depending on the personal risk profile, blood thinners can significantly reduce the probability of a pulmonary embolism. General information can be found here: Pulmonary Embolism
What measures can be taken to prevent pulmonary embolism?
The most common cause of pulmonary embolism is blood clots that form in the veins of the legs, from where they travel with the bloodstream to the heart and are then pumped into the lungs. Therefore, thrombosis prophylaxis plays the main role in the prevention of pulmonary embolism. Thrombosis prophylaxis is based on three different principles.
First of all, it includes exercise therapy and mobilization. The more active someone is in life and the more he or she is on their feet and engages in sports, the lower the likelihood of a blood clot forming in the legs. Movement should not only be taken into account in everyday life.
Physical activity is important in all situations where someone sits still for long periods of time (long-haul flights, meetings, bedriddenness). Here it helps to move the legs regularly, to get up from time to time and to drink enough. Compression plays another important role.
Therefore, it is recommended to wear compression stockings on long flights, for example. This way, less blood accumulates in the legs and thromboses form less quickly. The third pillar of thrombosis prophylaxis is based on drug therapy with blood thinners.
What role does sport play?
Sport also plays a role in preventing pulmonary embolism. The effect of sport is based on several principles, all of which serve one purpose: To prevent the formation of a blood clot that breaks loose from a blood vessel, enters the lung and causes an embolism. In this so-called thrombosis prophylaxis, sport can prevent the formation of a blood clot through several effects.
Thromboses form especially in deep leg veins. If you stand or sit for a long time, blood collects more easily in the legs. The flow conditions in the leg veins change and blood clots form more easily.
This can be prevented by lying down. Another method is physical activity that involves the use of the legs. Cycling, running, walking and swimming are particularly good.
By moving the calf muscles, the blood circulation in the legs is additionally stimulated. The muscles also help to transport the blood from the veins back to the heart. This results in fewer clots. Sport also has a positive effect on body weight. Excessive weight not only puts a strain on the veins, it also has a negative effect on the heart and circulation.
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