Deep vein thrombosis risk factors

Editors-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. Associate Editor-In-Chief: Ujjwal Rastogi, MBBS [1]

Deep Vein Thrombosis Microchapters
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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.

Many factors increase the risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). They include:

• A previous history of DVT.
• 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, a broken 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.