Blood clots are one of those health topics most of us don’t think about until they happen — and yet they are remarkably common, particularly as we get older. Every year in Ireland, thousands of people are affected by venous thromboembolism (VTE), the medical term that covers both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The good news? With a bit of knowledge and some straightforward lifestyle habits, much of the risk can be reduced.
Whether you’re in your 50s, 60s, 70s, or beyond, understanding how blood clots form, recognising the warning signs, and knowing when to seek help could quite literally save your life — or the life of someone you love.
TL;DR
- Blood clots (DVT and pulmonary embolism) become significantly more common after 50, with risk doubling roughly every decade of life.
- Warning signs of DVT include leg swelling, warmth, redness, and pain — a pulmonary embolism can cause sudden breathlessness, chest pain, and coughing up blood. Call 999 or 112 immediately if you suspect PE.
- Key risk factors include prolonged immobility (long flights, hospital stays, surgery recovery), certain medications including HRT and some cancer treatments, obesity, and a personal or family history of clots.
- Simple prevention measures — staying active, keeping hydrated, wearing compression stockings during travel, and discussing clot risk with your GP before surgery — can make a real difference.
- Irish supports include HSE anticoagulation clinics, Thrombosis Ireland for patient information, and the CDM Programme for ongoing management of clotting conditions.
What Are Blood Clots, and Why Do They Matter After 50?
Blood clotting is actually a vital bodily function — it’s what stops us bleeding when we cut ourselves. Problems arise when clots form where they shouldn’t, or when they don’t dissolve as they normally would.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins, usually in the leg. It can cause pain, swelling, and redness, but sometimes there are no obvious symptoms at all.
Pulmonary embolism (PE) happens when a clot — or part of a clot — breaks free and travels to the lungs. This is a medical emergency. PE can be fatal if not treated promptly, but with swift medical attention, the vast majority of people recover well.
After the age of 50, the risk of VTE increases significantly. Research published in the British Medical Journal suggests that the risk roughly doubles with each decade of life beyond middle age. This is partly because our veins become less elastic, circulation can slow, and we’re more likely to have other health conditions or to be taking medications that affect clotting.
Recognising the Warning Signs
Knowing what to look for can make all the difference. Here are the key symptoms to watch for:
DVT — Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Swelling in one leg (rarely both), often in the calf or thigh
- Pain or tenderness, sometimes described as a cramp that doesn’t ease
- Warmth in the affected area
- Redness or discolouration of the skin
- Veins that appear more prominent than usual
It’s worth noting that DVT can sometimes occur without noticeable symptoms, which is why awareness of your risk factors is so important.
Pulmonary Embolism — A Medical Emergency
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Sharp chest pain, often worse when breathing in
- Coughing up blood
- Feeling lightheaded or faint
- Rapid heartbeat
If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, call 999 or 112 immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms pass. Early treatment with blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) is highly effective, but time matters.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While anyone can develop a blood clot, certain factors increase the likelihood — and many of these become more relevant as we age:
- Prolonged immobility: Long-haul flights, extended bed rest, or recovery from surgery. Even sitting in a chair for many hours without moving raises the risk.
- Recent surgery or hospitalisation: Particularly hip or knee replacements, abdominal surgery, or any procedure requiring general anaesthesia. Hospitals in Ireland routinely assess clot risk and may provide preventive treatment.
- Cancer and cancer treatment: Some cancers and chemotherapy drugs increase clotting risk significantly.
- Hormone therapies: HRT (hormone replacement therapy) and some forms of contraception can raise VTE risk, though for most women the absolute risk remains low.
- Obesity: Carrying extra weight puts additional pressure on the veins in the pelvis and legs.
- Previous blood clots: If you’ve had a DVT or PE before, you’re at higher risk of another.
- Family history: Some inherited conditions (such as Factor V Leiden) make blood more prone to clotting.
- Varicose veins: While most varicose veins are harmless, they can occasionally be associated with DVT.
- Chronic conditions: Heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease, and kidney disease can all increase risk.
Prevention: What You Can Do
The encouraging news is that many blood clots are preventable. Here are practical steps you can take:
Stay Active
Regular movement is one of the best protections against blood clots. Walking, swimming, cycling, gardening — anything that gets your calf muscles working helps pump blood back up through the veins. The HSE recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week for adults over 50. If you have mobility issues, even seated leg exercises — ankle circles, calf raises, and foot pumps — can help.
Don’t Sit Still for Too Long
If you’re on a long journey (by car, bus, train, or plane), get up and move about every hour or two. On flights, walk the aisle when the seatbelt sign is off, and do seated exercises in between. Stay well hydrated and limit alcohol, which can dehydrate you and slow circulation.
Wear Compression Stockings When Advised
Your GP or pharmacist may recommend graduated compression stockings, particularly for long-haul travel, after surgery, or if you’ve had a previous DVT. These stockings apply gentle pressure to help blood flow more efficiently. They’re available at pharmacies across Ireland, and your community pharmacist can help fit them correctly.
Talk to Your GP Before Surgery
If you’re scheduled for any surgery — including day procedures — ask your medical team about VTE prevention. Most Irish hospitals now follow national clinical guidelines that include a VTE risk assessment for all patients. You may be given blood-thinning injections, compression stockings, or both during your hospital stay and for a period afterwards.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Carrying excess weight is a modifiable risk factor. Even modest weight loss can reduce pressure on the veins and improve circulation.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration thickens the blood and makes clotting more likely. Aim for six to eight glasses of fluid daily — water, herbal teas, and diluted juice all count. This is especially important during warm weather, when travelling, or if you’re unwell.
Diagnosis and Treatment in Ireland
If your GP suspects a blood clot, they’ll likely refer you for an urgent ultrasound scan (known as a Doppler ultrasound) to check blood flow in the affected limb. A blood test called a D-dimer may also be used — though this test can be raised for other reasons, so it’s usually used alongside clinical assessment.
If a DVT is confirmed, treatment typically involves anticoagulant medication — commonly known as blood thinners. These don’t dissolve the existing clot, but they prevent it from growing and reduce the risk of new clots forming while your body’s own systems break the clot down naturally. Modern anticoagulants such as rivaroxaban and apixaban (sometimes called DOACs) are now widely used in Ireland and are taken as tablets rather than requiring injections.
For a pulmonary embolism, treatment in hospital is usually required. This may involve intravenous anticoagulants initially, with a switch to oral medication once the patient is stable.
Treatment duration varies — typically three to six months for a first clot, though some people may need to take anticoagulants for longer, or even indefinitely, depending on their individual risk profile.
Anticoagulation Clinics
If you’re prescribed the older anticoagulant warfarin, you’ll attend a HSE anticoagulation clinic regularly to monitor your INR (a measure of how quickly your blood clots). Many hospitals and health centres across Ireland run these clinics. Your GP practice may also manage INR monitoring locally.
Living Well After a Blood Clot
Being diagnosed with a DVT or PE can be frightening, but most people go on to make a full recovery. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Take your medication as prescribed. Missing doses of anticoagulants can put you at risk of another clot.
- Attend follow-up appointments. Your GP or hospital team will want to review your progress and decide how long treatment should continue.
- Stay active. After the initial acute phase, gentle exercise is encouraged and helps recovery. Your medical team will advise on what’s appropriate.
- Watch for post-thrombotic syndrome. Some people develop long-term swelling, pain, or skin changes in the affected leg after a DVT. Compression stockings and regular exercise can help manage these symptoms.
- Talk about your concerns. Anxiety after a blood clot is very common. Don’t hesitate to discuss your worries with your GP or practice nurse.
Irish Supports and Resources
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Several organisations and services in Ireland can help:
- Your GP: Your first port of call for assessment, referral, and ongoing management. If you have a medical card or GP visit card, visits are covered.
- HSE Anticoagulation Clinics: Available at hospitals and health centres nationwide for warfarin monitoring and management.
- CDM (Chronic Disease Management) Programme: If you have a medical card or GP visit card, you may be eligible for structured chronic disease management through your GP, which can include clotting conditions.
- Thrombosis Ireland: A patient-led organisation providing information, support, and awareness about blood clots. They offer resources for patients and families and advocate for better VTE prevention in Irish healthcare.
- Irish Heart Foundation: Provides information on cardiovascular conditions including blood clots, and runs support groups and nurse helplines.
- Community pharmacists: Your local pharmacist can advise on compression stockings, medication interactions, and general clot prevention.
When to Seek Help
Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right — a swollen leg that wasn’t like that yesterday, an unexplained pain in your calf, sudden breathlessness — don’t wait to see how it goes. Contact your GP promptly, or if you suspect a pulmonary embolism, call 999 or 112 without delay.
Blood clots are serious, but they are also treatable and, in many cases, preventable. A little awareness goes a long way — and at Críonna Health, we believe that understanding your body’s signals is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health as you age.
📷 Photo by Richard Sagredo on Unsplash
