Causes Of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Generally speaking, any situation in which you are unable to move for long periods of time can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.

Usually this occurs when a person is sitting or lying down for several hours, without being able to get up and walk around.

Deep vein thrombosis is therefore most commonly associated with long haul travel, although there are several other factors you should be aware of which may increase your risk.

Family History Of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Genetics may make you more susceptible to developing blood clots. So if someone in your family has experienced blood clots in the past, then you should take extra precautions.

Obesity

Obese people tend to be less physically active, eat fatty and sugary foods and have overall poorer circulation. These factors put obese people at a high risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.

Dehydration

When the body becomes dehydrated, circulation suffers as the blood begins to thicken. Thick blood clots more easily. Alcohol, coffee, tea and salt can all cause dehydration.

Dietary Habits

Sugary and greasy food thickens the blood. This increases the risk of blood clots when a person is inactive for long periods.

Leg Surgery

If you have recently had surgery to your leg, or broken your leg and it is now in plaster, the reduced activity in that leg may affect your circulation.

Long Term Illness

Any illness which restricts your movement, or confines you to a bed, may put you in a high risk category of forming a blood clot. Hospital related deep vein thrombosis can pose a very serious threat to patients.

General Inactivity

People who tend to be less physically active, generally have poorer circulation than those who exercise regularly.

Working Environment

Any job that involves sitting down for long periods can negatively impact blood circulation.

Heart Disease

With heart disease comes poor circulation and a narrowing of the arteries. This, combined with long periods of inactivity, may significantly increase your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.

Smoking

Smoking thickens the blood and increases the risk of it clotting.

Age

Generally people over 40 years of age are considered to be at greater risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.

Summary

As you can see from the above examples, deep vein thrombosis is not solely confined to travel. Any time in which you are unable to move for several hours or more can increase your risk.

You should therefore try to avoid long periods of inactivity, and take pro-active steps to decrease your risk of developing a blood clot.