How do I take care of myself if I have antiphospholipid syndrome?
How do I take care of myself if I have antiphospholipid syndrome?
The main goal for managing antiphospholipid syndrome is preventing blood clots. Blood clots can largely be prevented through the use of blood thinner medication. However, there are several other conditions that can increase your risk of developing blood clots. If you have been diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, it is essential to prevent, avoid or properly manage the following risk factors for developing blood clots if they apply to you:
- Diabetes: Having diabetes increases your likelihood of developing plaque buildup in your arteries, which can cause blood clots. It’s important to manage your diabetes well if you have antiphospholipid syndrome.
- High blood pressure (hypertension): High blood pressure can cause blood clots to form in the arteries that lead to your brain, which could cause a stroke. It’s important to manage your blood pressure if you have antiphospholipid syndrome.
- High cholesterol: High cholesterol can contribute to the formation of blood clots in your legs. It’s important to manage your cholesterol if you have antiphospholipid syndrome.
- Obesity: Having obesity promotes a state of inflammation in your body that can contribute to blood clots forming. It’s important to try to maintain a healthy weight if you have antiphospholipid syndrome.
- Smoking: Smoking increases your risk of developing blood clots and can damage blood vessels. If you have antiphospholipid syndrome and smoke, it is essential to stop smoking.
- Estrogen therapy for menopause or birth control (contraception): Estrogen increases your risk of developing blood clots. Avoid using estrogen therapy if you have antiphospholipid syndrome. Talk to your healthcare provider about what will work best for you for birth control or menopause therapy.
- Other autoimmune diseases or rheumatology disorders: If you have another autoimmune disease or rheumatology disorder, it is important to manage it as best as you can in order to be healthy and prevent blood clots.