Causes - Causes of Blood Clots
Blood clotting is a physiological process that the body initiates automatically after an injury to minimize blood loss and aid in wound repair. Blood cells called platelets rush to the site of injury and begin sticking together with help from substances in the blood called clotting factors. A protein called fibrin gives structure to the clot.
Although blood clotting is normally beneficial, blood clots that form deep within veins may partially or completely block the blood vessel, inhibiting circulation and putting people at risk for dangerous circulatory complications. Blood that clots deep within veins may do this for several different reasons:
- The person's blood clotting ability is elevated. Factors that may increase the clotting ability of the blood include an inherited blood clotting disorder, certain medical conditions, a pregnancy, the use of hormones, and smoking.
- The person's blood flow is decreased because of immobility. Immobility is a general lack of movement and activity, such as from a lengthy surgery and recovery process, a long-term illness, an injury with a long and sedentary recuperation period, a sedentary lifestyle, or a very long flight or car ride.
- A person's blood vessels have been damaged. This damage triggers clotting as part of wound repair. Tissues may be damaged from traumatic injury, surgery, or other medical procedures.
The likelihood that any of the above scenarios might result in DVT depends upon a person's individual risk profile.
