HRT may have an increased risk of thrombosis, particularly if the therapy includes oestrogen. Although the risk of thrombosis with HRT is generally low, it is higher than in women who are not taking hormone therapy.
Binge-watching TV
According to a recent health study the consequences of sitting still and watching TV for long periods of time may increase your potential for forming blood clots. The study found that if you spend more than four hours a day watching TV, your chances of developing a fatal blood clot increase by more than 35% compared to those who watch for two and a half hours or less a day. It doesn’t matter whether you’re fit, slim, and do exercise every day – marathon TV sessions are a risky activity.
Being in hospital
It may seem a safe place, but being in the hospital is a major risk factor. This is because patients with decreased mobility due to bedrest or recovery, or who experience blood vessel trauma due to surgery or other serious injury, are more likely to develop blood clots.
“Your medical history and lifestyle habits also play a big role in an increased VTE risk, as do certain medical procedures, such as orthopaedic, urological, and cardiothoracic surgeries,” says Dr. Okoye. Major peripheral vascular, gynaecological, neurosurgery, general surgery – especially involving the abdomen, pelvis, hips, or legs – and, in fact, any surgical procedure with a duration of more than 45 minutes also bears an increased risk.
Having cancer
Patients with cancer are at increased risk of blood clots in both the veins (VTE) and arteries (ATE). In fact, emerging data shows that cancer patients are at four times higher risk than the general population of developing serious blood clots. It’s a startling fact; but important to know if you or a loved one is undergoing treatment for cancer.
“There are some cancers that are known to have a high risk of developing VTE,” says Dr Okoye. “For instance, with haematological malignancies like lymphomas and multiple myelomas, the risk of developing VTEs is high. The risk is also high for lung cancers, pancreatic cancers, stomach cancers, bowel cancers, and even brain cancers.”
Chemotherapy, a type of cancer treatment that uses one or several drugs in combination, and surgery can additionally damage the walls of your blood vessels, affecting the way they function and making clots more likely.
According to Dr. Okoye, it’s important to note that the occurrence of blood clots is influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, medical history, and current health status. If you’re in any way concerned about blood clot risks, consult a medical professional who can provide personalised advice and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
