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Blood clots in the veins - especially those that break off and travel to the lungs - can be fatal and are becoming more common. However, many adults have little knowledge of their risks or of the growing evidence that healthy habits can help prevent blood clots.
Venous thromboembolism
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) involves two types of clots: deep vein thrombosis, called DVT, usually in the leg, and pulmonary embolism, or pulmonary embolism, when the DVT breaks loose and lodges in the lungs, often resulting in death.
Obesity and lack of physical activity have long been associated with a higher risk of blood clots, along with family history, certain genetic factors, and previous episodes of blood clotting. Part of this risk can be reduced through lifestyle changes.
"The effect of physical activity and a normal weight on reducing the risk of blood clots in people at high genetic risk was even greater than I could have imagined," Cushman said. “If you have a high genetic risk of venous thromboembolism and you do one to three cycles of physical activity per week (enough to break a sweat), you will have a 28% lower risk of developing blood clots. And if your body mass index was less than 25, compared to someone who is obese (BMI more than 30), the risk will be 45% lower," says doctor Mary Cushman from the United States.
Cushman urges people to learn the symptoms of VTE. These include swelling, pain or heaviness in the legs, red streaks or other skin discoloration, and skin that feels hot to the touch.
Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain, and a fast heart rate.
