Do I Have A Risk For Venous Thrombosis?

Do you have an inherited blood clotting disorder (genetic tendency for clot formation)?

Have you been inactive lately, such as sitting or lying down for long periods (prolonged bed rest, for example during a long hospital stay, or recovery at home after surgery or an accident)?

Have you had an injury to your veins, such as from surgery, a broken bone (fracture), or some other trauma?

If you are a woman, are you pregnant?

If you are a woman, do you take birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or are you on hormone replacement therapy?

Are you overweight (your body mass index (BMI) is over 25)?

Are you a smoker?

Do you have any of the following health conditions: cancer, heart disease, lung disease, or inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)?

Do you have a family history of a blood clot in a vein deep in the body, called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Are you over 60?

Do you have a sedentary life style (you sit for long periods of time) or you travel frequently (when driving or flying your legs remain still for hours)?

Do you have a central venous catheter (a catheter placed in to a large vein)?

Based on your answers you have a low risk for venous thrombosis. Veins are blood vessels that carry blood from the body back into your heart. Venous thrombosis is a medical condition that occurs when the blood clot (thrombus) blocks a vein. It is possible for thrombus to breaks off and flows towards other parts of your body (including the lungs or brain) causing serious complications. You can reduce your risk by avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and being active, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing other health problems. You should exercise your legs during long trips, and stand or walk occasionally during a flight.

Based on your answers you have a moderate risk for venous thrombosis. Venous thrombosis is a medical condition that refers to a blood clot blocking the vein. Sometimes the part of the blood clot can brakes off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. The clot can cause a blockage in your lungs which is a medical emergency called pulmonary embolism (PE). Please make an appointment with your doctor for the assessment of your individual risk factors. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are serious but preventable health conditions. You need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow the doctor’s recommendations.

Based on your answers you have a high risk for venous thrombosis. Venous thrombosis is a medical condition caused by a blockage of the vein by a blood clot. If the clot in the deep veins of the leg breaks off and flows towards the lungs it can cause a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism. Deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg) is a leading cause of preventable hospital death in the U.S. Please talk to your doctor about prevention measures, such as use of “medical compression stockings” and blood thinning medications called anticoagulants. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also important.