Risk Factors
There are numerous risk factors for thrombosis, because there are many different types and causes for the condition. Thrombi may form in the arteries, veins, or heart.

Arterial thrombi (blood clots that form in the arteries) generally form in conditions of rapid blood flow. Arterial thrombi often form when an arterial plaque (a hard, fatty deposit in the arterial walls) ruptures, and clots form as a response to the "injury."

Venous thrombi (blood clots that form in the veins), on the other hand, generally form in conditions of low blood flow. One of the main causes of this type of clotting is prolonged physical inactivity, like bed rest after surgery. More rarely, clotting can occur on long airplane flights or during protracted car trips.

Cardiac thrombi form inside the heart, on a damaged area such as a valve, or due to a heart arrhythmia (rhythm disorder) that allows blood to pool inside an atrium.

Risk factors for blood clots include:

• Inactivity, eg, bed rest after surgery, long trips by airplane or car
• Lack of physical exercise
• Obesity or being overweight - High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Stress
• Cancer or some types of cancer treatment
• Dehydration
• Varicose veins
• Broken leg or hip
• Injury to the vein's lining (eg, by surgery, injection of certain substances, or certain disorders)
• Phlebitis (inflammation of the wall of a vein)
• Pregnancy (the enlarged uterus compresses veins)
• Stroke, heart attack, or heart failure
• Heart arrhythmia
• Oral contraceptives
• Genetics (an inherited blood-clotting disorder or family history of DVT)

More on this topic

What Are Thrombosis & Embolism? (VIDEO)
Your Blood Moves
Thrombus & Embolus
Symptoms & Risk Factors
Blood Must Flow
Consequences of Clots
Tests & Diagnosis for DVT
Prevention & Treatment

Related Health Centers:

Aneurysm and Stent, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Cardiovascular Continuum, Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis, Coronary Bypass Surgery, Heart Attack and Angina, Hypertension, Stroke, Thrombosis and Embolism, Women and Cardiovascular Health