Deep vein thrombosis is a condition where blood gets clogged or clots in the deep portions of the veins. The result of this blood clot is severe pain and swelling. Doctors have repeatedly said that DVT is difficult to spot if one falls under the following risk factors. It is best to avoid getting it by ensuring to get one’s blood often tested and, most importantly, by following a healthy lifestyle and food habits.

Here is a list of risk factors for DVT:

1. One is over 40-45
As one grows old, the chances of DVT also significantly goes up significantly. It is essential to get all the necessary tests that are required to detect DVT.

2. One already had it and got treated for it
Research shows a 30-35% chance of getting DVT again even if one was cured of it once or twice before.

3. One’s family has a history of DVT
If a parent or a sibling has had DVT, one is certainly at risk. If both parents have had DVT, the risk factor increases substantially.

4. Blood clotting disorder
For some people, blood does not clot the way it is meant to be, and this is referred to as blood clotting disorder. This makes the blood get thicker than the normal rate as it moves through the body.

5. Inability to move
For those who have a restriction with movement, the risk factor is quite high. The veins that are present in the core portion of the legs largely depend on the muscles around that area to force the blood back to the lungs and eventually to the heart. If the muscles do not move for a while, blood starts to gather or pool in the lower legs. This results in a clot, and the longer the one stays inactive, the DVT spreads quickly.

6. Pregnancy and childbirth
Pregnant women are known to go through a surge of the hormone estrogen. This makes the blood clot far more easily. On the contrary, if one has undergone hormone replacement therapy or is using birth control pills, the chances of being diagnosed with DVT also increases.

7. Unhealthy BMI
If one’s BMI is higher, the risk of getting DVT is also higher. The extra fat around the abdominal region is believed to have a direct link to DVT. As a result, one can get metabolic-related diseases, which further leads to inflammation in the body, thereby falling in the spiral of DVT.