Blood Home > Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention
If you are trying to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) it's important to start with knowing the risk factors for the condition. These risk factors include things like pregnancy and sitting for long periods. To determine if you require medication, your doctor will consider whether you have had a clot before or if you are at risk for developing a deep vein clot but have never had one.
Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention: Know the Risk Factors
It is important to know if you are at risk for deep vein thrombosis so that you can take steps to lower your risk.
Deep vein thrombosis risk factors include:
- Inherited conditions that cause increased risk for blood clotting
- Restricted or slow blood flow in a deep vein, due to injury, surgery, or having to stay in bed for a long time
- Cancer and its treatment
- Medical conditions such as varicose veins
- Sitting for a long period of time, such as on long trips in a car or on an airplane (see DVT and Travel for more information)
- Pregnancy and the six-week period after delivery
- Being over age 60 (although DVT can occur at any age)
- Being overweight or obese
- Taking birth control or hormone replacement pills
- Having a medical condition that requires a central venous catheter (a tube placed in a vein to allow easy access to your bloodstream for medical treatment).