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If you have essential thrombocythemia, your doctor may recommend you regularly take low-dose aspirin. Aspirin makes platelets less sticky and your blood less likely to form clots. It's often used in pregnancy because it has a low risk of causing side effects to the fetus.
Also try to choose healthy lifestyle habits to lower your risk of developing conditions that may contribute to blood clotting. These include diabetes, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. Take steps to:
Eat healthy foods. Choose a varied diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruits and low in saturated fats. Try to avoid trans fats. Learn about portion control to maintain a normal weight.
Increase your physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day. Take a brisk daily walk, ride your bike or swim laps.
Achieve or maintain normal weight. Being overweight or obese increases the pressure in the veins in your pelvis and legs and is a risk factor for conditions such as high blood pressure.
Stop smoking. If you smoke, take steps to try to stop.