Donate
Donate
Patient Information

Know Your Clot Risk
Hospital risk factors for blood clots
Cancer related risk factors for blood clots
Early Pregnancy Blood Clot Risk Assessment Tool
Pregnancy risk factors for blood clots
Hormone therapies risk factors for blood clots

Understanding Blood Clots
Booklets & Fact Sheets
Patient Information Videos

Coping With Worry After A Clot

We’ve created a space to address anxiety and questions after a VTE diagnosis.

Self Advocacy

Self advocacy empowers people with Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) to take an active role in their care.

Patient Support Meetings

Join a supportive community to share experiences and receive encouragement.

Let's Talk Clots App

The app offers info on blood clots, risk reduction, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and recovery support.

Shared Accounts

Shared experiences from those affected offer support and raise awareness.

Educational Events

Join a compassionate community to connect, share experiences, and receive support.

Get Involved

See how you can get involved in our community through fundraising, volunteering, and much more.

Pregnancy Campaign

Pregnancy Campaign

Know the Signs: Blood Clot Risk in Pregnancy and Beyond
For health Professionals

Why VTE Matters

Find out about why VTE matters

Accredited Training & Resources
VTE E-Learning Platform
National Thrombosis Week Conference 2026
Educational Events
VTE Risk Assessment Tools
Patient Resources
Training and Learning Resources

VTE Guidelines & Publications

Guidelines and publications to educate on VTE

Research Opportunity & Updates
VTE Research Opportunities
Research Grants
Research Films

Network Support

Promoting knowledge-sharing, professional development, and collaboration among UK medical experts.

Early Pregnancy Blood Clot Risk-Assessment Tool

In consultation with NHS England, this questionnaire addresses VTE, the leading cause of pregnancy death.
GET INVOLVED
donate-icon

Donate

Find out how you can donate today
Make a donation
Leave a legacy gift in your Will
Donate in memory
Donate in celebration

Events & Fundraising

View our fundraising events
Join an event
Organise your own fundraiser
Fundraising support
Corporate partnerships

Support our work

Your support helps us continue our vital work
Volunteer
Take part in our research
Share your lived experience
Calendar of Events

Fundraising Events

View our Fundraising Events

Educational Events

View our Educational Events

Educational Events for HCPs

View our Educational Events for Healthcare Professionals

Patient Support Meetings

View our Patient Support Meetings
News

News

Read more about our latest news
About Thrombosis UK

Mission

Learn about why we do what we do

History

Find out more about our history

Our team

Learn about our team

Annual reports

See our annual reports

What Your Support Helps Us To Achieve

See what you have helped us achieve over the years and what’s to come!

Partnerships

Find out more about your partnerships

National Thrombosis Week

National Thrombosis Week is Thrombosis UK’s annual awareness week, when we bring together patients and health care professionals.

Thrombosis UK VTE Awards

The VTE Awards celebrate pioneers excelling in VTE prevention, management, and patient care.

World Thrombosis Day

TBC

Understanding
Blood Clots

Learn more about blood clots by delving into patient narratives, videos, informative sheets, and our dedicated app.

What is a blood clot?

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) – often referred to as a ‘blood clot’ or ‘thrombosis’ – is a condition in which blood clots form in the deep veins. It can include deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).  Blood clots are the body’s natural response to a cut or break and ensure wounds do not bleed excessively. Unfortunately, sometimes unwanted large blood clots form in the deep veins (most often the legs but they can form anywhere).

 

You can read more about blood clots, types of blood clots including deep vein thrombosis, (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and less common types of blood clots including cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST),  in the Patient Resources section, below, where you will also find information about diagnosis, treatment and recovery after a diagnosis of a blood clot.

 

Know the signs and symptoms

A blood clot can occur in anyone regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or health. Quite often a blood clot can occur with few or no obvious signs and symptoms, so if you have felt unwell and this is continuing without any obvious cause, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional and to ask, “Could this be a blood clot?”

What is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A DVT is a clot which has formed in a deep vein, most usually in the leg.

Signs and symptoms of a DVT may include:

  • Pain, most commonly in one leg, or tenderness
  • Sometimes swelling in the affected limb
  • Occasionally reddish/blue skin discolouration

  • If thrombosis affects the thigh veins (common in pregnancy), the whole leg may be swollen

  • The area may be warm to touch

If you experience any of these symptoms you should seek medical advice and ask, could this be a blood clot?

What is a pulmonary embolism (PE)?
If some of the DVT clot breaks off, it travels through the veins to the heart and lungs where it can become lodged. This is a pulmonary embolism (PE).

Signs and symptoms of a PE may include:

  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Unexplained breathlessness (for example when doing something you can usually do without becoming breathless)
  • Chest pain that can be sharp or stabbing and may get worse with deep breaths
  • A rapid heart rate
  • Unexplained cough, sometimes with blood-streaked mucus
  • Coughing up blood
  • Sudden collapse

If you experience these signs or symptoms, you should seek urgent medical attention.

Helping to prevent blood clots

Certain changes in lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing a blood clot:

  • Keep moving – avoid long periods of immobility such as sitting for many hours
  • Get up and walk around at least every 90 minutes
  • Keep well hydrated
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet
  • Take regular exercise
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Avoid smoking

It is very important to tell any doctor/nurse or other clinician who may be managing your health, if you have had a blood clot or if you have a family history of blood clots in case medication is advised.

If you think you may be at risk of a blood clot, it is important to talk to your doctor / clinician.

What can increase the risk of having a blood clot?

Common risk factors for thrombosis are:

  • Recent hospitalisation for illness or surgery (up to 90 days post discharge).
  • Previous history of thrombosis.
  • Recent major surgery, particularly of the pelvis, abdomen, hip, knee, (up to 90 days post discharge).
  • Severe trauma, such as a car accident.
  • Injury to a vein that may have been caused by a broken bone or severe muscle injury.
  • Cancer and cancer treatments.
  • Contraceptive pill for birth control in particular those that contain oestrogen, such as the pill, patch or ring.
  • Pregnancy, (including the six weeks after the baby is born).
  • Oral (tablet form) hormone therapy (HRT), which contains oral oestrogen.
  • A family history of blood clots.
  • Obesity.
  • Long-term bed rest.
  • Long periods of inactivity including sitting for long periods of time, especially with legs crossed.
It is important that you discuss this with your doctor if any of these risk factors apply to you.

Patient Information Resources

Booklets & Fact Sheets

Thrombosis UK patient informational booklets & fact sheets are medically approved, and are free to access and download. The information sheets are intended to share reliable information on all aspects of blood clot prevention, diagnosis, management and recovery.

Find Out More

Videos & Shared Accounts

The Thrombosis UK films, recorded webinars and personal interviews, along with individual shared accounts of being diagnosed with a blood clot and the recovery journey, are intended to provide support and reassurance that you are not alone on your blood clot journey. 

Find Out More

Download our FREE app today!

The Thrombosis UK patient information app – ‘Let’s Talk Clots’ is packed with medically reviewed and approved information across a blood clot journey – from risk, signs and symptoms to diagnosis, recovery and regaining wellbeing.

Written in collaboration with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, patients, lay supporters and healthcare professionals. The app includes resources, opportunity to join free, online meetings and an online chat room.

Find Out More
Let's Talk Clots App on a mobile phone


The Patients Association

The Patients Association is an independent patient charity campaigning for improvements in health and social care for patients.

When things get challenging or difficult, it can be hard to know where to turn. The right information about care and treatment can sometimes be confusing or hard to find. 

 

When patients and their families need help, the Patient Association aims to ensure they get it by providing information and guidance so that everybody can access and benefit from the health and care they need to live well.

Visit The Patient Association website
Thrombosis UK VTE Awards
Application form

Applications are accepted on the basis that Thrombosis UK can share the content with external judges who will assist us with assessments. Service models, resources and working processes of successful Thrombosis UK VTE Award winners will be uploaded to the Thrombosis UK website and shared via publications, social media, and other opportunities.

When completing your application form, you should use lay language and answer each question in a concise manner. 

Please keep to any word limits given.

All sections need to be completed, if any section is removed, omitted or incomplete, we cannot process the application.

Applications need to be submitted via email to: [email protected] You will receive a notification of receipt within 48 hours of submission. If you do not receive a notification, please email [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 1st February 2025

We are unable to consider late applications.

Category
Thrombosis UK Award deep vein thrombosis (DVT) pathway award for leading to improved timely diagnosis of thrombosis
Please note there is a separate application form for each category.
DATA PROTECTION

Thrombosis UK has a strict data protection policy that complies with UK data protection law.

Your name and contact details may be stored for up to 12 months in order for correspondence relating to your application be appropriately processed.

 

We wish to make you aware that your name and contact details, as included on your completed application form, will be viewed by the Thrombosis UK appointed Judging Panel solely for the purpose of reviewing and assessing your completed application.  If your nomination is short listed, a representative from Thrombosis UK will then seek your permission to include your name on the summary paragraph included in the awards brochure and on the Thrombosis UK website.

Thrombosis UK takes security and confidentiality very seriously. Your name and contact details will never be passed or shared with any third party or an unauthorised individual. If you have any queries, please contact: [email protected]

Thrombosis UK VTE Awards
Application form

Applications are accepted on the basis that Thrombosis UK can share the content with external judges who will assist us with assessments. Service models, resources and working processes of successful Thrombosis UK VTE Award winners will be uploaded to the Thrombosis UK website and shared via publications, social media, and other opportunities.

When completing your application form, you should use lay language and answer each question in a concise manner. 

Please keep to any word limits given.

All sections need to be completed, if any section is removed, omitted or incomplete, we cannot process the application.

Applications need to be submitted via email to: [email protected] You will receive a notification of receipt within 48 hours of submission. If you do not receive a notification, please email [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 1st February 2025

We are unable to consider late applications.

Category
Thrombosis UK Award for an excellent Quality Improvement programme that advanced practice in thrombosis prevention or management.
Please note there is a separate application form for each category.
DATA PROTECTION

Thrombosis UK has a strict data protection policy that complies with UK data protection law.

Your name and contact details may be stored for up to 12 months in order for correspondence relating to your application be appropriately processed.

 

We wish to make you aware that your name and contact details, as included on your completed application form, will be viewed by the Thrombosis UK appointed Judging Panel solely for the purpose of reviewing and assessing your completed application.  If your nomination is short listed, a representative from Thrombosis UK will then seek your permission to include your name on the summary paragraph included in the awards brochure and on the Thrombosis UK website.

Thrombosis UK takes security and confidentiality very seriously. Your name and contact details will never be passed or shared with any third party or an unauthorised individual. If you have any queries, please contact: [email protected]

Thrombosis UK VTE Awards
Application form

Applications are accepted on the basis that Thrombosis UK can share the content with external judges who will assist us with assessments. Service models, resources and working processes of successful Thrombosis UK VTE Award winners will be uploaded to the Thrombosis UK website and shared via publications, social media, and other opportunities.

When completing your application form, you should use lay language and answer each question in a concise manner. 

Please keep to any word limits given.

All sections need to be completed, if any section is removed, omitted or incomplete, we cannot process the application.

Applications need to be submitted via email to: [email protected] You will receive a notification of receipt within 48 hours of submission. If you do not receive a notification, please email [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 1st February 2025

We are unable to consider late applications.

Category
Thrombosis UK Award for outstanding patient resource, sharing information. about VTE prevention for patients and carers
Please note there is a separate application form for each category.
DATA PROTECTION

Thrombosis UK has a strict data protection policy that complies with UK data protection law.

Your name and contact details may be stored for up to 12 months in order for correspondence relating to your application be appropriately processed.

 

We wish to make you aware that your name and contact details, as included on your completed application form, will be viewed by the Thrombosis UK appointed Judging Panel solely for the purpose of reviewing and assessing your completed application.  If your nomination is short listed, a representative from Thrombosis UK will then seek your permission to include your name on the summary paragraph included in the awards brochure and on the Thrombosis UK website.

Thrombosis UK takes security and confidentiality very seriously. Your name and contact details will never be passed or shared with any third party or an unauthorised individual. If you have any queries, please contact: [email protected]

Thrombosis UK VTE Awards
Application form

Applications are accepted on the basis that Thrombosis UK can share the content with external judges who will assist us with assessments. Service models, resources and working processes of successful Thrombosis UK VTE Award winners will be uploaded to the Thrombosis UK website and shared via publications, social media, and other opportunities.

When completing your application form, you should use lay language and answer each question in a concise manner. 

Please keep to any word limits given.

All sections need to be completed, if any section is removed, omitted or incomplete, we cannot process the application.

Applications need to be submitted via email to: [email protected] You will receive a notification of receipt within 48 hours of submission. If you do not receive a notification, please email [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 1st February 2025

We are unable to consider late applications.

Category
Thrombosis UK Award for Enhancing Patient Experience
Please note there is a separate application form for each category.
DATA PROTECTION

Thrombosis UK has a strict data protection policy that complies with UK data protection law.

Your name and contact details may be stored for up to 12 months in order for correspondence relating to your application be appropriately processed.

 

We wish to make you aware that your name and contact details, as included on your completed application form, will be viewed by the Thrombosis UK appointed Judging Panel solely for the purpose of reviewing and assessing your completed application.  If your nomination is short listed, a representative from Thrombosis UK will then seek your permission to include your name on the summary paragraph included in the awards brochure and on the Thrombosis UK website.

Thrombosis UK takes security and confidentiality very seriously. Your name and contact details will never be passed or shared with any third party or an unauthorised individual. If you have any queries, please contact: [email protected]

Thrombosis UK VTE Awards
Application form

Applications are accepted on the basis that Thrombosis UK can share the content with external judges who will assist us with assessments. Service models, resources and working processes of successful Thrombosis UK VTE Award winners will be uploaded to the Thrombosis UK website and shared via publications, social media, and other opportunities.

When completing your application form, you should use lay language and answer each question in a concise manner. 

Please keep to any word limits given.

All sections need to be completed, if any section is removed, omitted or incomplete, we cannot process the application.

Applications need to be submitted via email to: [email protected] You will receive a notification of receipt within 48 hours of submission. If you do not receive a notification, please email [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 1st February 2025

We are unable to consider late applications.

Category
Thrombosis UK Award for advancing awareness and information sharing of cancer acquired thrombosis (CAT)
Please note there is a separate application form for each category.
DATA PROTECTION

Thrombosis UK has a strict data protection policy that complies with UK data protection law.

Your name and contact details may be stored for up to 12 months in order for correspondence relating to your application be appropriately processed.

 

We wish to make you aware that your name and contact details, as included on your completed application form, will be viewed by the Thrombosis UK appointed Judging Panel solely for the purpose of reviewing and assessing your completed application.  If your nomination is short listed, a representative from Thrombosis UK will then seek your permission to include your name on the summary paragraph included in the awards brochure and on the Thrombosis UK website.

Thrombosis UK takes security and confidentiality very seriously. Your name and contact details will never be passed or shared with any third party or an unauthorised individual. If you have any queries, please contact: [email protected]

Thrombosis UK VTE Awards
Application form

Applications are accepted on the basis that Thrombosis UK can share the content with external judges who will assist us with assessments. Service models, resources and working processes of successful Thrombosis UK VTE Award winners will be uploaded to the Thrombosis UK website and shared via publications, social media, and other opportunities.

When completing your application form, you should use lay language and answer each question in a concise manner. 

Please keep to any word limits given.

All sections need to be completed, if any section is removed, omitted or incomplete, we cannot process the application.

Applications need to be submitted via email to: [email protected] You will receive a notification of receipt within 48 hours of submission. If you do not receive a notification, please email [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 1st February 2025

We are unable to consider late applications.

Category
Thrombosis UK Award for work in VTE Prevention
Please note there is a separate application form for each category.
DATA PROTECTION

Thrombosis UK has a strict data protection policy that complies with UK data protection law.

Your name and contact details may be stored for up to 12 months in order for correspondence relating to your application be appropriately processed.

 

We wish to make you aware that your name and contact details, as included on your completed application form, will be viewed by the Thrombosis UK appointed Judging Panel solely for the purpose of reviewing and assessing your completed application.  If your nomination is short listed, a representative from Thrombosis UK will then seek your permission to include your name on the summary paragraph included in the awards brochure and on the Thrombosis UK website.

Thrombosis UK takes security and confidentiality very seriously. Your name and contact details will never be passed or shared with any third party or an unauthorised individual. If you have any queries, please contact: [email protected]

Skip to content