Venous Thromboembolism
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Venous Thromboembolism

Venous Thromboembolism Causes and Risk Factors

What causes venous thromboembolism (VTE)?

VTE occurs in the veins that carry blood to your heart. Blood clots can develop in veins damaged by surgery or trauma, or they can develop as a result of  inflammation  caused by an infection or injury.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may occur if the flow of blood slows down in the veins, or something damages the blood vessel lining. Pulmonary embolism (PE) refers to an  embolus  from a deep vein blood clot or a blood vessel in the lungs that breaks loose and travels to the lungs, blocking an arteries in the lung.

 

Why do blood clots form?

Blood clots form naturally at sites of injury to prevent bleeding. Damage to a vein causes certain factors in the blood to trigger the activity of the enzymes thrombin. Active thrombin then forms long protein strands that clump together with platelets and red blood cells to form clots.

 

What raises the likelihood of VTE?

Most often, there is more than one risk factor involved. The more risk factors you have, the greater the chance you have of developing VTE.

Not moving for long periods of time

Being still slows blood flow through the veins in your arms and legs, raising the likelihood of DVT. Especially when combined with other risk factors, DVT can develop during a long flight (more than 4 hours) or when a person is on bed rest in a nursing home, hospital setting, or after surgery. The chance of developing a blood clot is highest in the first 3 months after surgery and lowers with time. Ask your healthcare provider about prevention plans if you are scheduled for major surgery. Slower blood flow can create a low- oxygen environment that traps blood in places such as the leg veins or makes it easier for clots to form.

Learn about ways to prevent blood clots after surgery or while traveling.

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions can raise your chance of developing VTE. Some conditions are more closely linked to developing DVT or pulmonary embolism than others and include:

Age

VTE can occur at any age, but your chance goes up as you age. The chance of VTE nearly doubles every 10 years after age 40.

Family history

Your family history can affect your chances of developing VTE. Researchers have found dozens of genetics mutations (changes in the structures of your gene ) that can raise your chance of VTE. Some changes make your blood more likely to clot. If your parents have these genetic changes, you may have inherited them.

Studies show that the likelihood of VTE among the siblings of someone who has had VTE is more than double the likelihood among the general population.

Sex

Before menopause, women are more likely to get VTE compared to men. After menopause, the likelihood of VTE is higher in men.

Learn more about VTE and women.

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