8 Factors That Increase Risk of Developing Blood Clots

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This disquieting fact makes it clear just how important it is to ensure that we are all aware of the risk factors that play a role in the development of blood clots – especially as thrombosis is both preventable and treatable if you know the symptoms and contact a healthcare professional immediately if needed. Dr Ddungu provides insight into the eight factors that can help identify if you’re at risk for developing blood clots so you can prevent them:

1. Getting older

Although any person of any age can develop a blood clot, the risk of thrombosis increases with age. Those over the age of 60 are at higher risk, likely due to the fact that you’re more likely to develop other health conditions that increase your risk of developing a blood clot.

2. Gender

Thrombosis can impact anyone, no matter their age, background, or gender. However, the risks can vary for men and women. Men have an overall higher risk of thrombosis than women, but women have risks that men do not because of pregnancy, hormonal birth control, or even hormone therapy after menopause. It is therefore important to take this into account when making any choices regarding family planning, pregnancy, or the treatment of menopause symptoms.

3. Post-Surgery Recovery

Being in the hospital is a major risk factor for the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Indeed, up to 60% of all VTE cases occur during or within 90 days of hospitalization.

At even higher risk, are patients who have experienced blood vessel trauma due to surgery. Orthopaedic, cardiothoracic, major general surgery, and neurosurgery are some of the types of surgeries that present higher risks for developing VTE.

4. Smoking

Smoking can raise the risk of life-threatening blood clots as it damages the lining of blood vessels making it more likely for platelets to stick together at the damaged vessel lining and initiate the formation of clots. Even significant exposure to passive smoke can affect blood coagulation activity.

5. Patients with Cancer

The risk of VTE is increased, and common, in patients with cancer 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. Blood clotting can have serious consequences for cancer patients as there is higher risk of recurrent thrombosis, the risk of bleeding during anticoagulation and hospitalisation is increased, while survival time is decreased.

6. A Family History of Blood Clots

You’re more likely to develop blood clots if you have family members who have had dangerous blood clots. This is because 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, although it is not very common.

7. Being Overweight or Obese

Although being overweight or obese does not guarantee that you’ll develop thrombosis, weight can 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.

8. Immobility

When your legs remain still for long periods of time it increases the risk of a blood clot as blood flow is hampered. 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. If part of the clot breaks off, it can also cause a pulmonary embolism which can be fatal.

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