This archive report was first published on 25 August 2021.
8 Factors That Increase Risk of Developing Blood Clots ¶
As we age, our risk of developing blood clots increases, especially after the age of 60. This is because we are more likely to develop other health conditions that increase our risk of developing a blood clot.
According to Dr. Ddungu, gender also plays a role in the risk of developing blood clots. While men have a higher overall risk of thrombosis, women have risks that men do not, such as pregnancy, hormonal birth control, or hormone therapy after menopause.
Being in the hospital is a major risk factor for the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE), with up to 60% of all VTE cases occurring during or within 90 days of hospitalization. Patients who have experienced blood vessel trauma due to surgery are at even higher risk, especially those who have undergone orthopaedic, cardiothoracic, major general surgery, or neurosurgery.
Smoking can also raise the risk of life-threatening blood clots by damaging the lining of blood vessels, making it more likely for platelets to stick together and initiate the formation of clots. Even significant exposure to passive smoke can affect blood coagulation activity.
Patients with cancer are at increased risk of VTE due to cancer-specific factors such as type of cancer, and cancer treatment as well as surgery and hospitalization. Cancer patients are four times more likely to develop blood clots than the general population.
A family history of blood clots can also increase your risk, as inherited causes of blood clots are linked to your genetics. People with a family history of life-threatening blood clots tend to develop thrombosis before the age of 45.
Being overweight or obese can also increase the risk of DVT, as it puts greater pressure on the lower half of your body and increases pressure in the veins. Additionally, other negative effects of obesity such as chronic inflammation can be a major catalyst for thrombosis.
Finally, immobility can increase the risk of a blood clot, as blood flow is hampered when your legs remain still for long periods of time. Bedrest, hospital recovery, casts on legs, or even sitting for long periods of time while at work can result in a DVT, which can cause pain and potentially lead to a pulmonary embolism.
