The risk of a blood clot increases with:
• Immobility
• Age (over 50, and significantly over 80 years)
• Cancer
• Following major surgery or serious leg injury, leg fracture, hip or knee replacement, or varicose vein stripping in the previous 12 weeks
• Having had a clot before
• People with a close blood relative who has experienced a clot
• Severe obesity
• Height (both very tall or very short people are at increased risk as airline seats inhibit blood circulation)
• Taking the combined oral contraceptive pill or HRT
Dr Jane is at wilson-howarth.com and @longdropdoc
All content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Consult a healthcare professional before taking action.