Curious About Exercising on Blood Thinners? Here Are Answers to Common Questions
Key takeaways:
Blood thinners can treat a range of different conditions. Most commonly, they’re used to prevent and treat blood clots. And regular exercise can help prevent blood clots from forming.
The main side effect of blood thinners is bleeding. So it’s important to avoid exercise with a higher risk of injury.
If you’re on blood thinners and get injured while exercising, it’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare team. Remember to monitor yourself for signs of internal bleeding that may not be obvious.
Blood thinners will not make you tired or affect your heart rate during exercise. And exercise will not dislodge any existing blood clots.
Blood thinners, also called anticoagulants, are used to prevent and treat blood clots. Blood clots are clusters of blood cells that can clog blood vessels. But there are many different types of blood clots. And so the type and amount of blood thinner you take depends on what condition you’re treating.
Being active is an important part of staying healthy. But, if you’re taking a blood thinner, you may want to avoid activities with a higher risk of getting hurt. We’ll talk about some ways to exercise safely while on a blood thinner.
Is it safe to exercise on blood thinners?
Yes, exercise is generally safe while taking a blood thinner. In fact, regular physical activity can help prevent blood clots from forming. This is especially true of a clot in the big veins called a deep venous thrombosis. Muscle movement helps veins carry blood back to the heart. Exercising increases blood flow through the veins, making it harder for blood clots to form.
Even though it’s safe to exercise, it’s important to take some precautions. Blood thinners will make it harder for your body to stop bleeding after an injury. If you get hurt, you could bleed more and longer than someone not on a blood thinner. Anyone should try to avoid injury with exercise, but this may be even more important for those taking a blood thinner.
Are there any exercises you should avoid while taking blood thinners?
Some activities, like skiing or skateboarding, carry a higher risk of injury or falls. If you take a blood thinner, it’s important to consider the risk of injury with an activity. Being on a blood thinner will increase the chance that an impact causes serious bleeding.
People who take blood thinners should also avoid activities that can lead to collisions between players or athletes. The American Heart Association advises against activities with a high likelihood of contact. For athletes in high school or college, these include:
American football
Soccer
Ice hockey
Lacrosse
Basketball
Wrestling
Karate/judo
Downhill skiing
Squash
Fencing
Boxing
Comparing blood thinners: Our experts walk you through the most common blood thinners, and what to know about each one.
Target heart rate: If you have a heart condition, it helps to know what your heart rate should be when you exercise.
The best exercises for heart health: Learn about the best way to exercise to improve your blood flow and heart health.
Even while being careful and avoiding high-risk activities, injuries can still happen. If you have a cut or scrape, you can usually stop bleeding by putting pressure on the area. But remember, you can also have bleeding inside the body that you may not see. So anytime you have a significant accident or injury, talk with your healthcare team. They can evaluate you for any signs of internal bleeding that may not be obvious.
Can exercise aggravate a blood clot?
Many worry that movement can disrupt a blood clot and cause it to move somewhere else in the body. But normal daily activity is safe with a blood clot. Exercise has also been shown to be safe and decrease symptoms of blood clots. If you’re already physically active, try to remain active. If you’re new to exercise, start slow and gradually build up to moderate exercise. Exercise will help prevent future blood clots — and has many other health benefits.
What are the best exercises while taking blood thinners?
The best exercise is the one that you like and will stick with. As with any exercise program, you want to start slowly to prevent injury. Low-intensity physical activity like walking is a great place to start. Remember to wear comfortable clothing and well-fitting shoes. Start by walking a few minutes at a time. Gradually build up how long you can walk without stopping.
Read more like this
Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.
Gentle stretching or yoga can also help to improve flexibility and muscle tone. And strength training can help improve muscle tone and balance. Proper form is essential for preventing injury. Watch tutorials or work with a professional if you’ve never done strength training. Start with light weights and increase the weight as you get stronger.
Remember, all activity counts. If you can’t get outside, there are plenty of movement routines you can do right from your living room. Try to incorporate variety into your routine. This keeps things fresh and helps to improve all aspects of fitness.
Do blood thinners make you tired?
No, blood thinners will not make you tired. The most common and serious side effect of blood thinners is bleeding. While tiredness and fatigue aren’t a direct effect of a blood thinner, they can be signs of low blood counts.
Tell your healthcare team if you experience unusual fatigue. And watch for signs of serious bleeding, particularly after an injury. Symptoms will depend on where you’re injured, but general symptoms of bleeding inside the body include:
Unusual or severe bruising
A fast heart rate or trouble breathing
Confusion, change in consciousness, or a severe headache
Lightheadedness or dizziness, particularly upon standing
Significant pain or swelling at the injury site, especially if it gets worse over time
Nausea and vomiting
Pale skin or feeling cold
Do blood thinners affect your heart rate during exercise?
No, blood thinners will not affect your heart rate. But if your blood thinner is affecting your blood counts, this could increase your heart rate. With significant bleeding, your heart will need to beat faster to deliver oxygen to the body. Make sure to tell your healthcare team if you notice a change in your resting heart rate after starting a blood thinner.
The bottom line
You can safely exercise if you take a blood thinner. Exercise is essential for your health. It can also help avoid complications from many conditions blood thinners treat. The best exercise is the one that you can do consistently and enjoy. Just be sure to use common sense when doing any daily activity that can cause an injury. Because a blood thinner’s main side effect is bleeding, it’s best to avoid doing things with a high risk of injury. Talk with a healthcare professional after any serious injury, even if you don’t see any obvious signs of bleeding.
Why trust our experts?
References
Levine, B. D., et al. (2015). Eligibility and disqualification recommendations for competitive athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities: Task force 1: Classification of sports: Dynamic, static, and impact: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology. Circulation.
Rook, B., et al. (2023). Effect of exercise after a deep venous thrombosis: A systematic review. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
