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Major orthopedic surgery such as a total hip or total knee replacement does put patients at an increased risk for blood clots. These clots are also known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT.
During and after hip replacement surgery, the circulation of your blood slows down. This is due to your immobility or decreased movements. The blood tends to coagulate or pool. Sluggish or slow moving blood can result in the formation of clots.
Anticoagulants or blood thinners like heparin don't really change the thickness of your blood. These drugs work by interrupting the clotting cascade or steps needed to form a clot. Once you become more active again, you'll be able to stop taking the drugs without any side effects.
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