10 Things You Need to Know About Blood Clots

9. Risk Factors

Now that you know all about the signs and symptoms of blood clots, you might be wondering what increases your risk for developing blood clots. There are many different risk factors, and this list isn’t extensive, but it is a starting point. Risk factors include: inherited blood disorders and family histories, prolonged sitting or bed rest (because your calves don’t contract, blood doesn’t circulate as easily), injury or surgery, pregnancy (increased pressure in the veins), birth control and hormone replacement therapy (increase blood’s ability to clot), weight (increased pressure in veins), IBS, age, heart failure, cancer (can increase substance in the blood that attract clotting), and smoking (which affects blood clotting and circulation).