DVT Risk After Hip & Knee Replacement: What Patients Should Know for Heart Health
February is Heart Health Awareness Month and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Month—a time when we focus not only on heart disease but also on conditions that impact circulation and overall cardiovascular wellness. One important topic for orthopedic patients is the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after major surgeries, like total joint replacements and hip fracture repairs.
Orthopedic care doesn’t just fix bones and joints—it also plays a critical role in maintaining healthy blood flow and protecting your heart and lungs from clot-related complications.
What is DVT?
DVT refers to a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, most often in the legs. When a clot forms, it can block normal blood flow back to the heart and may break loose and travel to the lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE) and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
DVT and PE together are known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), and they are serious but preventable complications after major orthopedic surgeries.
Why Do Hip & Knee Surgeries Increase DVT Risk?
Major lower-extremity orthopedic procedures, such as:
- Total Hip Replacements
- Total Knee Replacements
- Hip Fracture Repairs
are considered the highest-risk surgeries for VTE. Without preventative treatment, studies have shown that patients who undergo these procedures can have rates of blood clots as high as 40-60% when measured with advanced imaging tests. Hip replacement patients may have especially higher rates of the more serious forms of DVT and PE compared to knee replacement patients.
Even today, when modern prevention protocols, some studies suggest that up to about 18-20% of patients can develop a clot following total hip replacements in real-world practice, especially if they have risk factors like advanced age or other health conditions.
Who Is At Higher Risk?
Your orthopedic and medical team will evaluate your personal risk before surgery. Factors that can increase that chance of a clot include:
- Age (especially over 60)
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- History of cancer
- Previous blood clots
- Family history of clotting disorders
- Limited mobility before or after surgery
Patients with higher risk profiles may receive more aggressive prevention strategies.
How Orthopedic Teams Prevent Clots
Preventing blood clots is a standard part of modern orthopedic surgery planning. Your care team uses evidence-based protocols that may include:
- Blood-Thinning Medications
Depending on your health profile, surgeons may prescribe:- Low-Dose aspirin
- Anticoagulants such as Rivaroxaban or Enoxaparin
- Mechanical Devices
During and after surgery, special inflatable compression devices or compression stockings may be used on your legs. These devices keep blood moving through your veins. - Early Movement & Physical Therapy
One of the most powerful tools against clots is movement. Walking and guided exercises help stimulate circulation, which reduces stasis (slow blood flow)—a major contributor to clot formation. - Hydration & Heart-Healthy Habits
Staying well-hydrated and avoiding tobacco use supports circulation and general cardiovascular health.
What Does Recovery Look Like?
After hip or knee surgery, many patients can:
- Begin walking within a day
- Continue blood-thinning therapy at home for weeks
- Participate in physical therapy and home exercises
Mobility is not only essential for a good orthopedic recovery—it also protects your heart and lungs by keeping blood moving. Talk with your surgeon about your individualized plan and how long you should take any prescribed medications.
What Symptoms Should Patients Watch For?
Know the warning signs of DVT and PE and call your care team right away if you experience:
DVT Symptoms:
- Swelling in one leg
- Leg pain or tenderness
- Warmth or redness of the skin
PE Symptoms:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Rapid heartbeat
- Lightheadedness
Early detection and treatment can be lifesaving.
Why Does This Matters for Heart Health?
You might wonder: “What does joint surgery have to do with heart health?” The answer is movement! When hip or knee pain limits your ability to walk or exercise, your overall cardiovascular risk increases. Restoring mobility through surgery and rehabilitation helps patients:
- Stay active
- Control weight
- Improve blood pressure
- Enhance overall heart health
By preventing clot formation and encouraging activity, orthopedic care supports broader cardiovascular disease prevention.
How Can Patients Help Themselves?
Here are practical steps you can take:
- Take medications exactly as prescribed
- Walk and do prescribed exercises daily
- Stay hydrated
- Follow all physical therapy guidance
- Keep all follow-up appointments
Staying engaged in your care can reduce complications and help you heal smoother and stronger.
A Message for Heart Health Awareness Month
This Heart Health Awareness Month remember that healthy movement and good circulation are essential components of heart health—especially if you are planning or recovering from orthopedic surgery. By working with your care team to prevent DVT and taking active steps toward recovery, you’re protecting both your heart and your joints.
