Everyday conditions can combine to raise the risk of deep vein thrombosis

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  Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs.

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  Everyday conditions can combine with medical treatments, illnesses and individual characteristics to raise the risk.

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  Long periods without movement matter most when they occur alongside factors such as obesity, recent surgery, hormone use, pregnancy, cancer or a history of thrombosis.

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  Risk assessment can guide prevention, which may include encouraging movement or, for some higher-risk patients, anticoagulant medication.

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  An estimated 20% to 50% of people develop post-thrombotic syndrome after deep vein thrombosis, depending on the event and the population studied.

Who

People with deep vein thrombosis risk factors, including prolonged immobility, obesity or a history of thrombosis.

What

Everyday conditions can combine with medical and individual factors to raise the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

When

Risk can build when factors occur together, including during prolonged immobility, pregnancy or after childbirth.

Where

Deep veins, usually in the legs.

Why

Several factors can contribute; prolonged immobility encourages blood to stagnate in the veins of the legs.

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