• Thrombosis and work
• Prevention

---

Thrombosis and work

Thrombosis can be caused by sitting for long periods of time – such as during long-distance travel and work. Office jobs or other kinds of work that require long periods of sitting at a desk can increase your risk of developing dangerous blood clots. One recent study found that longer work hours (55 hours per week) increase your risk of developing both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as well as pulmonary embolism (PE) when compared to working less hours per week⁽¹⁾.

Working longer hours may increase your risk of thrombosis

---

Work after thrombosis

Your work may also be affected by having a DVT or PE. 

When recovering from a DVT or PE it is important to remember that you are at a higher risk of thrombosis. Most people recover from thrombosis relatively quickly - within a few weeks or months. During this time your doctor may recommend blood-thinning medication.

After experiencing a DVT or PE, around 15% of people will experience chronic discomfort - a condition known as post-thrombotic syndrome.

Physical exercise can help your body heal, however, you should discuss with your doctor whether and how much physical activity is safe and appropriate for you in your condition.                                                                              

---

How do you prevent a blood clot at work?

There are many things you can do to avoid developing a blood clot while you are at work. These include:

• Foot exercises:
  • If you are sitting for long periods of time, it is helpful to stretch and move your feet. This helps to prevent blood clots by promoting blood flow through the legs.
• Move around:
  • Planning activities away from your desk and moving around as much as possible can help keep the blood flowing and prevent the formation of dangerous blood clots. Consider going for a walk during your lunch break.
• Use a standing desk:
  • A standing desk, or even better a desk that can shift between sitting and standing, can help you prevent a blood clot by promoting more blood flow through your legs.
• Avoid crossing your legs:
  • Crossing your legs may compress veins and cause blood to pool and clot more easily, so try to prevent crossing your legs as much as possible if sitting for long periods of time.
• Avoid stress:
  • Stress can increase your risk of dangerous blood clots and working long hours can increase your stress levels. Try to learn stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, and don’t forget to exercise!                        

---

Learn more about thrombosis.

Download a leaflet version of this page.

Back to the top.                              

---

Sources:

1. Kivimäki, M., Nyberg, S. T., Batty, G. D., Madsen, I., Tabák, A. G., & IPD-Work Consortium (2018). Long Working Hours and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism. Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass.), 29(5), e42–e44. https://doi.org/10.1097/EDE.0000000000000862

2. Waldron, B., Moll, S. A Patient’s Guide to Recovery After Deep Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism. Circulation 2014; 129(17): e477-479.