Who is most at risk for blood clots?

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Who is most at risk for blood clots?

Some risk factors put certain people at higher risk for developing a blood clot.

Blood clots become more common as people get older, especially when they are over age 65. Long hospital stays, surgeries and trauma may significantly increase your risk of blood clots.

Other factors can increase your risk to a lesser degree. You might be more at risk if you:

  • Take birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.
  • Are pregnant.
  • Have cancer, or have been treated for cancer.
  • Have a family history of blood clots, or a specific condition, such as Factor V Leiden disease, antiphospholipid syndrome or polycythemia vera, that makes clots more likely.
  • Have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Some factors are based on lifestyle choices. Risks might be higher if you:

  • Are overweight or obese.
  • Live a sedentary (or inactive) lifestyle.
  • Smoke cigarettes.

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