The tendency for blood clots can be inherited, but people without this genetic tendency are also at risk.
When a person has a blood clot, it is the result of a variety of risk factors working together – not simply their genes. Many people are not aware of the lifestyle and other nongenetic risks that increase the chance they will develop a blood clot.
These include triggering events, lifestyle factors, age, and other health conditions.
Triggering Events
- Immobility – such as hospitalization and prolonged bed rest
- Surgery – due to trauma, venous catheters, and prolonged bed rest
- Long distance travel – by airplane or automobile, lasting four or more hours
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
- Pregnancy
- Hormone replacement therapy
Lifestyle Factors
- Sedentary lifestyle – not getting exercise
- Obesity – more than 30 pounds overweight (BMI chart)
- Smoking – heavy tobacco use
Age
The risk of having a blood clot increases with age and increases more with a genetic tendency. View a chart at the link below.
Other Health Conditions
- Injury and infection
- Inflammatory disease
- Active cancer
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