Patient discussions

Patients should be advised about the factors that may contribute to the hypercoagulable state.

Lifestyle modification, such as smoking cessation, and weight loss if overweight, should be encouraged. Patients should be advised about thromboprophylaxis in high-risk situations, such as following major surgery, hospitalisation for an acute medical illness, immobilisation, plaster cast, and long-haul flights (>4 hours).

Avoiding combined oral contraceptive pills, oral hormone replacement therapy, and selective oestrogen receptor modulators is advisable in patients who have a personal or family history of venous thromboembolism.​ [ Cochrane Clinical Answers logo ]

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