Deep vein thrombosis risk factors
Editors-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. Associate Editor-In-Chief: Ujjwal Rastogi, MBBS [1]
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Risk factors
The presence or an a absence of risk factors plays a major role in the assessment of the pretest probability of DVT. Furthermore,
- Short-term anticoagulation is reruired for transient risk factors.
- Long-term anticoagulation is given where the cause is unknown or chronic or presence of persistent risk factors.
Risk factors can be broadly classified in two categories, which are:
- Inherited thrombophilia: which include the following disorder
- Factor V Leiden mutation
- Prothrombin gene mutation
- Protein S deficiency
- Protein C deficiency
- Antithrombin (AT) deficiency
Many factors increase the risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). They include:
- A previous history of DVT (most significant risk factor).
- Disorders or factors that make your blood thicker or more likely to clot than normal. Certain inherited blood disorders (such as factor V Leiden) will do this. This also is true of treatment with hormone replacement therapy or using birth control pills.
- Injury to a deep vein from surgery, fractured bone, or other trauma.
- Slow blood flow in a deep vein from lack of movement. This may occur after surgery, if you're ill and in bed for a long time, or if you're traveling for a long time.
- Pregnancy and the first 6 weeks after giving birth.
- Recent or ongoing treatment for cancer.
- A central venous catheter. This is a tube placed in vein to allow easy access to the bloodstream for medical treatment.
- Being older than 60 (although DVT can occur in any age group).
- Being overweight or obese.