Several factors can increase a person’s risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) development. Examples include injury to the veins, hormonal changes, reduced blood flow, certain health conditions, and more.
DVT is a blood clot that occurs in a vein deep within the body, typically in the leg. DVT risk factors may be transient, or temporary, such as pregnancy or recovering from surgery. They can also be persistent, such as cancer or living with a chronic health condition.
Knowing a person’s risk factor for DVT can help healthcare professionals identify and treat DVT faster if it occurs. It can also allow a person to take steps to help reduce their risk.
This article reviews the various risk factors for DVT and discusses prevention tips, when to contact a doctor, and more.
Injury to veins can increase the risk of a person developing DVT. Some causes of vein injury
- surgery
- physical trauma
- previous DVT
- peripherally inserted venous catheters
- intravenous drug use
Hormone changes can influence the risk a person has for developing DVT. In particular, an increase in estrogen can increase a person’s risk of DVT.
Some causes of estrogen increase
- use of birth control pills
- pregnancy and up to 3 months after delivery
- undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Reduced blood flow can increase the risk of DVT development.
Inactivity may cause reduced blood flow in several people. Factors that can result in inactivity and increase the risk
- general anesthetic
- long flights
- surgical procedure
- bed rest
- sitting
cross-legged for a long period of time - stroke
- paralysis
Wearing a cast following an injury may also reduce blood flow.
Certain medical conditions and infections can increase the risk of DVT.
Some chronic conditions that may increase a person’s risk
- lung disease
- heart disease
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
- cancer or related treatments
- asthma
- obstructive sleep apnea
- kidney disease
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- diabetes
- rheumatological conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis
Infections such as sepsis and COVID-19
Other factors can contribute to DVT risk. They
- being over the age of 40 years
- obesity
- family history of DVT
- smoking
- deficiency in folate or vitamin B12
A person can inherit some risk factors for DVT.
The identified inherited clotting disorders that can increase the risk of DVT
- protein S deficiency
- protein C deficiency
- factor V Leiden mutation
- prothrombin gene mutation
- dysfibrinogenemia
- hyperhomocysteinemia
- antithrombin deficiency
- factor XII deficiency
Having a non-O blood group and a family history of DVT or pulmonary embolism increases the risk of DVT.
The exact number of people who develop DVT is unclear. Estimates suggest that about
Approximately 60,000–100,000 people will die due to venous thromboembolism each year.
Knowing the risk factors and taking steps to reduce these can help a person reduce the likelihood of developing DVT.
A person may be able to take steps to reduce the likelihood of developing DVT.
Steps a person can take to help reduce their risk include:
- avoiding long periods of immobility where possible
- increasing movement following long periods of rest, surgery, or injury
- walking around every
1–2 hours when sitting for long periods of time - exercising the legs while sitting
- maintaining a moderate weight
- wearing loose-fitting clothing
- taking anticoagulants at a doctor’s recommendation
- maintaining an active lifestyle
Wearing graduated compression stockings may also help reduce the risk of DVT. A doctor can advise on what class of compression stockings a person should wear and for how long they should wear them.
A person should contact a doctor if they develop symptoms that could indicate DVT. These include:
- tenderness or pain
- swelling
- red or discolored skin
- thickening or firmness of a vein
- distended veins
A person can also contact their doctor for advice if they have concerns about the risk factors for DVT. Their doctor can assess their risk and advise on steps they can take to reduce the likelihood of developing the condition.
The doctor can also advise on suitable treatments for DVT. Treating DVT can help reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal in some cases.
Learn more about the symptoms of DVT.
Learn more about DVT and blood clots
- Different types of blood clots: What to know
- How can deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affect pregnancy?
- How do doctors diagnose deep vein thrombosis?
- What are the symptoms of a blood clot?
- What to avoid if you have deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- What to know about a blood clot behind the knee
- What to know about a blood clot in the leg
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has several potential risk factors. They include injury to veins, chronic health conditions, infections, surgery, and trauma. Other factors that may increase the likelihood of developing DVT include hormone changes, obesity, smoking, and being over the age of 40 years.
A person can contact their doctor for advice if they have concerns about the risk factors for DVT. The doctor can recommend lifestyle changes to help manage the risk. In some cases, they may also recommend medications such as anticoagulants.
People should also contact a doctor if they develop symptoms of DVT, such as pain or tenderness, swelling, or feeling of firm veins.