Table of Contents

I. Symptoms of a Blood Clot

II. General Risk Factors

III. FAQ: What Should I Do If I Have Risk Factors for Blood Clots?

Symptoms of a Blood Clot

Blood clotting is a natural process that helps stop bleeding after an injury. However, clots that form where they shouldn’t block blood flow and cause serious health problems. Symptoms depend on where the clot is located, and some people may not experience any noticeable symptoms. [1]

Possible blood clot symptoms include:

• In the heart: Chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, and pain in the left arm
• In the brain: Trouble speaking, vision problems, seizures, weakness on one side of the body, or a sudden severe headache
• In the abdomen: Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
• In the lungs: Sudden shortness of breath, pain with deep breathing, rapid breathing, an increased heart rate
• In an arm or leg: Sudden or gradual pain, swelling, tenderness, warmth, or redness [2]

Seek medical attention promptly if you think you may have a blood clot. 

Blood thinners may be used to prevent new clots from forming and keep existing clots from getting larger. [1] Treatment options may include warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants such as Eliquis (apixaban) or Xarelto (rivaroxaban). [3] Continue reading to learn about factors that can increase the risk of a blood clot.

General Risk Factors 

Several factors can increase your risk of developing a blood clot. Although blood clots can occur at any age, adults over 60 have the greatest risk. A family history of blood clots or clotting disorders can also make you more likely to develop one. [1] Read on to learn about specific risk factors for blood clots. 

Inactivity

Sitting or lying still for long periods can increase the blood clots. Contractions of the calf muscles help keep blood circulating through the legs. When the legs remain still for hours, the calf muscles do not contract as often, blood flow may slow, and a clot may form.

This risk can increase during long flights or car trips, while working at a desk for extended periods, or during prolonged bed rest after an illness or hospital stay. Paralysis can also increase the risk because it limits normal leg movement. [4]

Being overweight or having obesity is another risk factor for blood clots. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking movement breaks during long periods of sitting may help lower the risk. [1] [4]

Diabetes

Diabetes can increase the risk of blood clots by changing how the blood flows and clots. People with diabetes may have higher levels of fibrinogen, a protein that can make the blood stickier and cause red blood cells to clump together. This can slow blood flow and make clot formation more likely. [5]

High blood sugar can also activate the clotting system. Additionally, platelets may become more active and stick together more easily, while blood clots may break down less effectively. High blood sugar can also lead to the buildup of damaging compounds. These compounds may harm cells, trigger inflammation, and make blood clots more likely to form. [5]

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure increases the risk of blood clots by placing too much force on the walls of the arteries. Over time, this pressure can stretch and damage the arteries, causing small tears. As the body repairs this damage, scar tissue may form and trap substances that contribute to plaque buildup. This can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries, blood clots, and weakened artery walls. [6]

High Cholesterol 

High cholesterol, particularly high levels of LDL cholesterol, can increase the risk of blood clots in both arteries and veins. When excess LDL collects in artery walls, it can harden into plaque and cause the arteries to become narrower and stiffer. If the plaque ruptures, it can trigger a blood clot that blocks blood flow. A blockage in the heart can cause a heart attack, while a blockage in the brain can cause a stroke. [7]

FAQ: What Should I Do If I Have Risk Factors for Blood Clots?

If you have risk factors for blood clots, talk to your doctor about your overall risk and whether you need a prevention plan. Some risk factors, such as age or family history, cannot be changed, but others can often be managed. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling diabetes, managing blood pressure, and lowering high cholesterol may help reduce your risk over time.

Your risk may be higher during long periods of sitting or lying still, such as during travel, desk work, illness, or recovery after a hospital stay. Since slow blood flow can make clots more likely to form, movement breaks and calf muscle activity can help support circulation. You should also know the warning signs of a possible clot, since symptoms can vary depending on whether the clot affects the heart, brain, lungs, abdomen, arm, or leg.

To lower your risk of blood clots:

1. Get up and move regularly during long periods of sitting.
2. Stretch your calves or move your feet and legs if you cannot walk around.
3. Ask your doctor how diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol may affect your clot risk.
4. Work toward a healthy weight and regular physical activity.
5. Tell your doctor about any family history of blood clots or clotting disorders.
6. Ask whether you need extra precautions before surgery, travel, or prolonged bed rest.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.