Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) forms when a clot builds up in a deep vein, usually in the leg. If you know what pushes the clot button, you can keep it from happening. Below we list the biggest risk factors and quick ways to lower the odds.
People over 60 see more DVT because blood flow naturally slows with age. Long trips in a car or plane, or being stuck in bed after surgery, can freeze that flow. The clot‑forming process starts when blood pools, the vessel wall gets irritated, and platelets stick together. If you’re scheduled for hip or knee replacement, ask your surgeon about blood‑thinner shots and early‑walk plans.
Cancer, especially active or metastatic disease, tricks the body into making more clot‑friendly proteins. Hormone‑related treatments—birth‑control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and pregnancy—also boost clot risk by altering blood chemistry. Obesity adds pressure on veins and raises inflammation, while smoking damages the lining of vessels, making clots more likely. A family history of DVT or inherited clotting disorders (like Factor V Leiden) means you’re genetically primed for clots.
Other everyday factors matter, too. Dehydration thickens blood, and sore muscles from intense workouts can temporarily narrow veins. Even varicose veins, which already have poor flow, give clots a place to hide.
Stay moving. If you sit for long periods, stand up every hour, stretch your calves, or do ankle pumps. On flights, walk the aisle and flex your feet regularly. Simple leg‑raising at home can also help blood return to the heart.
Hydrate well. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, more if you’re active or in a hot climate. Proper fluid levels keep blood thin enough to flow freely.
Keep a healthy weight. Even a modest loss of 5‑10% of body weight can cut pressure on leg veins and lower inflammation. Pair weight control with regular low‑impact cardio—walking, cycling, or swimming—to boost circulation.
If you smoke, quit. The benefits start within days, and your vessels begin to repair. For those on hormone therapy or birth‑control pills, discuss alternatives with your doctor if you have other risk factors.
After major surgery, follow your surgeon’s advice on blood thinners, compression stockings, and early ambulation. These measures target the three big clot contributors: slow flow, vessel injury, and thickened blood.
Watch for swelling, warmth, or pain in one leg, especially if it looks bigger than the other. A sudden, sharp calf ache that feels like a cramp could signal a clot. If you notice any of these signs, call a health professional right away. Early treatment stops the clot from traveling to the lungs (a pulmonary embolism), which can be life‑threatening.
Knowing your DVT risk factors lets you act before a clot forms. Combine movement, hydration, weight control, and smart medical choices to keep your veins healthy. Stay aware, stay active, and keep the blood flowing.
Explore how smoking raises the chance of deep vein thrombosis, the biological pathways involved, key statistics, and practical steps to lower your risk.
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