Covid-19 and Blood Clots: What You Need to Know

The Hidden Danger of Blood Clots During the Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic affected millions globally throughout 2020—and beyond. While it is widely known for its impact on the lungs, researchers have discovered another dangerous complication: blood clots. Studies show that up to 30% of critically ill Covid-19 patients suffer from blood clots, significantly increasing the risk of death.

What Are Blood Clots?

Blood clots are clumps of blood that form to prevent bleeding when you’re injured. However, in certain cases, they can form inside blood vessels without any injury. This can be triggered by:

• Poor circulation

• Prolonged sitting or inactivity

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes or high blood pressure

• Smoking or dehydration

When a clot forms in a vein, it’s known as a venous clot. These clots often form in the legs and do not dissolve on their own. If a clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), heart (heart attack), or brain (stroke), it can be fatal.

Covid-19 and Increased Risk of Blood Clots

Studies now link Covid-19 with abnormal blood clotting, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions like:

• Obesity

• High blood sugar (diabetes)

• High blood pressure

Key Research Highlights:

• DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) was found in 60% of Covid-related deaths.

• In Wuhan, China, 27.8% of 187 Covid-19 patients developed heart damage due to arterial clots.

• Even younger and asymptomatic Covid-19 patients showed signs of stroke and clot-related complications.

Why Is This Happening?

Covid-19 causes inflammation in blood vessels and disrupts normal blood flow. This hypercoagulable state (increased tendency to clot) may be the reason for:

• Pulmonary embolisms

• Heart attacks

• Strokes in younger, healthier individuals

How to Prevent Blood Clots During and After Covid-19

While researchers continue to study this link, there are practical steps you can take to reduce your risk:

✅ 1. Regular Walking

• Walk for at least 30 minutes daily

• Take short walks every hour during long sitting sessions

• Keeps your leg veins active and improves circulation

✅ 2. Maintain an Active Lifestyle

• Avoid long hours of inactivity

• Stretch or move every hour, especially while working from home

✅ 3. Improve Your Diet and Habits

• Reduce alcohol and tobacco use

• Stay hydrated

• Eat foods that improve blood flow: leafy greens, fatty fish, garlic, etc.

✅ 4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

• Obesity increases clotting risk

• Combine daily movement with healthy eating

✅ 5. Use Blood Circulation Devices if Needed

If you cannot move regularly, try devices like the SitWalker.

The SitWalker mimics the leg muscle activity used in walking. It enhances blood circulation, prevents blood pooling, and reduces the risk of DVT while you’re seated — ideal for work-from-home, elderly care, and post-Covid recovery.

Take Blood Clots Seriously — Act Early

Blood clots have silently caused many Covid-19 complications and deaths, especially among people with sedentary lifestyles or existing health conditions. But with early awareness and small daily habits, we can prevent venous clot formation and improve outcomes—even in high-risk situations like Covid-19.