DVT Risk Factors

A few DVT risk factors include sitting for a long period of time, having low blood flow in a deep vein, being pregnant, and being over age 60. A person's risk for deep vein thrombosis increases if he or she has several DVT risk factors at the same time. Although the cause of DVT is not known, research has shown that people with certain DVT risk factors are more likely than others to develop DVT.

 

An Introduction to DVT Risk Factors

Although the cause of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is not known, research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop DVT. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease.
 

Specific DVT Risk Factors

DVT risk factors include:
 
 
  • An inherited condition that causes increased risk for clotting
 
  • Low blood flow in a deep vein, due to injury, surgery, or immobilization
 
  • Cancer and its treatment
 
 
  • Sitting for a long period of time, such as long trips in a car or on an airplane (see DVT and Travel)
 
  • Pregnancy, especially the first 6 weeks after giving birth 

 

  • Being over age 60 (although deep vein thrombosis can occur in any age group)
 
  • Being overweight
 

 

  • Having a medical condition that requires a tube placed in a vein to allow easy access to the bloodstream for medical treatment (central venous catheter).
 
(DVT Risk Factors Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD