Risk factors

Various factors favour the development or increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. For example, the risk is 30 times higher if the patient has already had deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism in the past. If there is a prolonged inability to move, for example due to long-distance flights, an injury or operations requiring a longer period of lying down, the risk is 20 times higher.

Various hereditary diseases that cause increased blood clotting also increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Another risk factor is a BMI above 30. Furthermore, the probability of deep vein thrombosis increases with age, especially in patients over 60 years of age.

There is also a greater risk in women who take the pill and smoke at the same time. Tumours can also increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis. During pregnancy and the postpartum period, blood clotting usually increases so that the woman does not bleed to death during and after childbirth. Therefore, the risk is also increased here.

Guideline for diagnosis and therapy of deep vein thrombosis

Medical guidelines exist for the diagnosis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis, which are intended to support physicians in deciding on the diagnosis and therapy to be used. It should be noted that doctors do not have to follow these recommendations, but that therapies can be adapted individually for the patient. It is therefore recommended that the diagnosis should start with an assessment of the probability of deep vein thrombosis.

For this purpose, there is the so-called Wells Score, which classifies risk factors such as symptoms of leg vein thrombosis, previous thromboses or pulmonary embolisms, a heart rate above 100 beats per minute and much more into a point system. If a score above 6 is achieved, deep vein thrombosis is very likely to be present. There is also a recommendation for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and a list of approved drugs. According to the guideline, blood thinning with the approved medications should take place as early as possible.