Deep Vein Thrombosis: Causes and Risk Factors
While anyone can develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT), there are certain risk factors that place some individuals at higher risk for developing these types of blood clots. For example, women who are taking birth control pills or individuals who are on hormone replacement therapy have a higher risk of DVT. Also, people who are obese or who have cancer are at a greater risk for deep vein thrombosis.
In this section we'll discuss the causes and risk factors associated with deep vein thrombosis. We'll also offer you tips for reducing your risk of getting DVT.
Low Blood Flow
When blood flow is restricted or slows down, an individual is at a higher risk for developing blood clots. Your blood flow can drop for a number of reasons, including illness, injury and surgery.
If you've recently had surgery and are at a risk for developing a deep vein blood clot due to circulation problems, your doctor will likely prescribe you a medication to prevent clots from forming.
If you are ill or are immobilized for a period of time due to injury, it is important to get out of the bed and exercise your legs in order to prevent DVT.
Immobilization
People who are immobilized or who don't move around for long periods of time are at a greater risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. While people might be bedridden due to surgery or injury, people might also be immobile due to long flights or car trips.
When traveling for long distances, it is important to take frequent breaks to stretch your legs. If you are driving, pull the car over at a rest stop and walk around for a few minutes. If you are on an airplane, perform leg stretches while in your seat or walk to the bathroom.
Aging
While deep vein thrombosis can affect people of any age, it usually strikes people who are older than 40. In order to lower the risk of DVT, individuals in this age group should be sure to get ample exercise and follow a healthy diet.
Cancer and Cancer Treatment
More than 90 percent of cancer patients experience an increase in the blood's clotting activity, which puts them at a higher risk for deep vein thrombosis. In fact, people who are living with cancer are four times more likely than people without cancer to develop deep vein thrombosis.
While cancer can increase a person's risk for DVT, so too can cancer treatment. Cancer treatment contributes to DVT because:
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Cancer treatments may reduce the body's ability to produce anticoagulants, which help prevent blood clots.
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Surgery and chemotherapy to treat cancer can damage blood vessel walls, triggering blood clots.
- When cells are destroyed with chemotherapy, they release substances that increase the blood's ability to clot.
Resources
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2001). Deep vein thrombosis. Retrieved January 16, 2004, from
orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=264&topcategory =Hip&all=all.
Beers, M. H. & Berkow, R. (ed). Venous thrombosis [electronic version]. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 17th Edition. Merck Research Laboratories, NJ, 1999.
www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual/section16/chapter212/
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Deep Vein Thrombosis