Deep vein thrombosis is a health condition which is characterized by the development of blood clots in the deep veins of the body. The factors that prevent normal blood circulation or normal clotting of blood are the main causes of deep vein thrombosis. This type of blood clot generally forms in the thighs or the lower legs; however, it can occur in other parts of the body as well. This type of health condition can get serious as these blood clots, when moved through the bloodstream, can log into the lungs causing blockages in blood flow. This type of health condition is called pulmonary embolism.

1. Causes of deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis is caused by blood clots in veins, which prevents proper blood circulation throughout the body. This type of clot can form owing to various reasons.

The causes of deep vein thrombosis can include:

• Injury
  If the walls of the blood vessels get damaged as a result of injury, it can narrow or block the flow of blood. As a result, blood clots may form.
• Inactivity
  Sitting for a long time, can cause blood to be accumulated, especially in the lower part of the legs. If a person cannot move for a long period, especially after surgery or during a hospital stay or owing to paralysis, the blood flow can slow down in the legs. This can eventually lead to the development of blood clots.
• Surgery
  If blood vessels are damaged due to surgery, blood clots can occur. Additionally, patients who have undergone surgery and put on bed rest for an extended period can also experience the development of blood clots in their veins.

2. Risk factors of deep vein thrombosis
Apart from the various causes of deep vein thrombosis, certain factors can increase the risk of development of this health disorder in people.

These factors can include:

• Being overweight
  Excess body weight can cause pressure on the veins of the legs and pelvic region. This disrupts the normal circulation of blood, ultimately putting the person at a high risk of this health condition.
• Heart failure
  Patients with heart failure experience restricted heart and lung function. This can cause the formation of clots, putting patients at a high risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
• Inherited blood clotting disorder
  Some people can inherit a certain disorder that causes blood clots to form easily. However, this factor alone cannot cause blood clots unless other factors and the causes of deep vein thrombosis are combined with it.
• Family history
  If a person shares a family history of either deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism or both, they are at a high risk of developing this condition.
• Certain medication
  Medication such as oral contraceptives, or therapies for hormone replacement, can increase the chance of development of blood clots. Hence, people who consume this form of medication are at a high risk of developing this disorder.
• Inflammatory bowel disease
  Health conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can increase the chance of occurrence of deep vein thrombosis in patients.

Becoming aware of all these causes and risk factors can help people in taking appropriate measures to lower down the risk of developing this health condition.