- 1). Review the risk factors for developing a DVT which are divided into genetic (family history factors that you cannot change) and acquired risk factors which are "habits" (such as smoking) that can be changed.
- 2). The GENETIC risk factors for DVT include the blood disorders Factor V Leiden disease, Prothromboin 20210 and Protein C and Protein S deficiency. Each of these inherited blood disorders disrupt the normal formation of blood and should be reviewed in detail if you have a positive family history of any one of them.
- 3). The ACCQUIRED risk factors for DVT include exposure to steroids (especially estrogen), pregnancy, active tumors/cancer and obesity.
- 4). Genetic risk-factor reduction is hard. You simply cannot run away from your "genetic past." However, you can be evaluated for these conditions if there is a suspicion of them in your family history and follow medical care as planned.
- 5). The ACQUIRED risk factors are also hard to deal with, but you have a better chance of changing them if you are willing. You can speak with your health care provider about hormone replacement therapy options, be routinely screened for cancers, talk about how to prevent clots during pregnancy and reduce your weight.
- 6). DVT kills thousands of people every year. Be smart. Learn about it; change what you can and keep a lookout for those factors that you cannot.
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