Risk Factors of Deep Vein Thrombosis
September 19, 2009
Formation of blood clot in the deep veins of the body is known as deep vein thrombosis. Usually deep vein thrombosis occurs in the deep veins in the legs. Often the blood clots dissolve on their own without any medical intervention.
However, deep vein thrombosis becomes fatal if the blood clot formed in the deep vein breaks lose, and then through the blood stream it is transported to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism.
Deep vein thrombosis risks
Several factors increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, most of which can be easily avoided.
Prolonged inactivity
Keeping your legs inactive for a prolonged period increases the risk of blood clotting in the veins. Several deep vein thrombosis cases arise from lack of leg movement while flying or driving for a long time. If we keep our legs stationary for a long time, the calf muscles of our legs are unable to contract.
Contraction of calf muscles is necessary for facilitating smooth blood circulation through the veins of the legs. Lack of blood circulation, enhances the risk of blood clotting in the veins. Similarly, patients on bed rest and people suffering from paralysis are susceptible to deep vein thrombosis.
Genetic disorder
Sometimes deep vein thrombosis can be the sign of a genetic disorder, due to which the blood easily clots in the body.
Risk of developing deep vein thrombosis is greater among pregnant women suffering from genetic blood clotting disorders. During pregnancy, pressure in the pelvis, legs and veins rises. This enhances the risk of deep vein thrombosis. The risk of deep vein thrombosis remains up to six weeks after delivery.
Surgery
Risk of developing deep vein thrombosis sometimes increases after a surgery. General anesthesia tends to dilate the veins, increasing the risk of blood clotting. Moreover, injury to the veins that slows down blood circulation causes formation of blood clots.
Poor heart condition that slackens blood flow in the veins might lead to deep vein thrombosis. For this reason, people suffering from heart failure have greater risk of developing blood clots in the veins.
Obesity increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Excess body weight increases pressure on the legs and pelvis, reducing blood circulation in the lower limbs.
By slowing down blood circulation in the body, smoking can cause deep vein thrombosis.
Sometimes deep vein thrombosis can be the side effects of contraceptive pills.
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