According to specialists, while obesity and smoking significantly elevate the risk of thrombosis, regular exercise and healthy eating habits can considerably lower it.
In statements made for World Thrombosis Day, experts highlighted that thrombosis is a serious health condition that can lead to fatal outcomes such as heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary embolism. They underlined that maintaining a healthy lifestyle and engaging in regular physical activity can effectively prevent these dangers.
Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms inside a blood vessel, obstructing normal blood flow. This blockage can cause vascular occlusion and negatively affect the function of multiple organs. Depending on where the blockage occurs, life-threatening conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary embolism may develop.
Experts also point out that thrombosis is not limited to older adults, it can also affect young people with sedentary lifestyles. Those who sit for long hours at desks, lead inactive lives, are overweight, or smoke are considered to be in high-risk groups.
“A Preventable Condition with Simple Lifestyle Changes”
Experts emphasize that thrombosis can be controlled with early diagnosis and proper treatment, but prevention before onset should be the main goal. Lifestyle changes, they note, are of critical importance in this respect.
A physically active lifestyle, balanced diet, and avoiding smoking are the key steps in preventing thrombosis. “It is possible to prevent this serious health problem with simple measures. Taking regular walks every day, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking directly support vascular health. Exercise regulates blood circulation and prevents clot formation, whereas obesity and smoking damage vascular structure and increase the risk of clotting,” experts stated.
They also emphasized that structured exercise programs play a crucial role in improving blood circulation and enhancing vascular elasticity. Regular physical activity offers protective benefits not only for the musculoskeletal system but also for the circulatory and cardiovascular systems.
“Healthy Nutrition Reduces the Risk of Clotting”
Highlighting the importance of diet in thrombosis prevention, experts recommend a balanced and antioxidant-rich diet to protect vascular health. They advise limiting saturated fats and refined carbohydrates, reducing red meat consumption, and opting instead for fish, poultry, green vegetables, and fruits.
Consuming vegetable oils, limiting salt and sugar, ensuring adequate fluid intake, and increasing dietary fiber all contribute to maintaining smooth blood flow. “Even small changes in food choices can significantly reduce the risk of vascular blockages over time. Healthy eating acts as a protective shield not only for cardiovascular health but also for the entire metabolic system,” they noted.
“Prolonged Inactivity Is a Risk Factor”
Experts warn that thrombosis may develop not only due to chronic diseases but also as a result of prolonged immobility. Long flights, desk jobs, or post-surgical inactivity can predispose individuals to clot formation in the leg veins.
They recommend that office workers take short walks every hour, perform leg exercises to activate the muscles, and drink sufficient fluids. In addition to inactivity, excessive weight and smoking also increase internal vascular pressure, contributing to clot formation.
“Awareness Saves Lives”
World Thrombosis Day on October 13 aims to raise awareness about this silent and dangerous disease. Although millions of people worldwide die each year due to thrombosis-related complications, public awareness remains insufficient.
“Thrombosis is a silent but preventable condition. Awareness, regular exercise, healthy eating, and avoiding risk factors save lives. Every individual taking responsibility for their own health is the most effective step toward reducing this threat,” experts concluded.
