Are You At Risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Almost anyone can have Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing this condition. The risk increases even more for someone who has more than one risk factor at the same time.

Factors that increase the risk of developing DVT include:

• Major surgery

• Immobility, such as being in the hospital and long travel

• Recent injury

• Increased estrogen, from birth control pills, pregnancy, and certain medications

• Certain chronic medical illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer

• Previous DVT

• Age (risk increases as age increases)

• Obesity

• Smoking

Five steps you can take to protect yourself:

 

1. When sitting for long periods of time, such as when traveling for more than four hours:

• Get up and walk around every 2 to 3 hours.

• Exercise your legs while you’re sitting by:

• Raising and lowering your heels while keeping your toes on the floor.

• Raising and lowering your toes while keeping your heels on the floor.

• Tightening and releasing your leg muscles.

• Drink plenty of water, and avoid drinking anything with alcohol or caffeine in it.

2. Move around as soon as possible after having been confined to bed, such as after surgery,
  illness, or injury.

3. If you are at increased risk, talk to your doctor about wearing graduated compression stockings (sometimes called "support hose" or "medical compression stockings").

4. If you are at increased risk, talk to your doctor about medication (anticoagulants) to prevent or treat DVT.

5. Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and don’t smoke.

CDC Activities

CDC is conducting research to learn more about risk factors for DVT and the effects of thrombophilia (inherited risks for DVT) on pregnancy. In addition, CDC funds a research network of specialized thrombosis and hemostasis centers, as well as a health promotion and wellness initiative to provide people with information about how to prevent DVT and its complications.

For More Information

• DVT Information
• Information for Health Care Professionals
• Resources
• CDC Division of Blood Disorders
• Deep Vein Thrombosis/Pulmonary Embolism, CDC Health Information for International Travel 2008
• Travelers' Health

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Know someone who will have surgery soon or recently had surgery? Send an eCard.