Who gets a DVT?

Use of Vioxx has been associated with an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.

Certain other factors make a DVT more likely to occur. They are more common in people aged over 40 and in people who are obese, or who have already had a DVT. Several inherited conditions make the blood more likely to clot than usual, increasing the risk. Other factors include:

• prolonged bed rest, (immobility)
• major injuries, or paralysis
• surgery, especially if it lasts more than 30 minutes, or involves the leg joints or pelvis
• cancer and its treatments, which can cause the blood to clot more easily
• long-distance travel, because of prolonged immobility. It is unclear whether or not air travel is more risky than other long journeys - for example by car or coach
• pregnancy and childbirth - related to hormone changes that make the blood clot more easily and because the fetus puts added pressure on the veins of the pelvis. There is also risk of injury to veins during delivery or a caesarean. The risk is at its highest just after childbirth
• taking a contraceptive pill that contains estrogen. Most modern pills contain a low dose, which increases the risk by an amount that is acceptable for most women
• hormone replacement therapy (HRT). For many women, the benefits outweigh the increase in risk.
• other circulation or heart problems