Causes

Arterial thrombosis usually affects people whose arteries are clogged with fatty deposits. This is known as atherosclerosis.

These deposits cause the arteries to harden and narrow over time and increase the risk of blood clots.

The following can increase your risk of developing atherosclerosis:

  • getting older
  • smoking
  • an unhealthy diet
  • lack of exercise
  • being overweight or obese
  • regularly drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
  • other conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
  • a family history of atherosclerosis
  • being of south Asian, African or African-Caribbean descent

Sometimes arterial thrombosis can be due to a condition that makes your blood more likely to clot, such as atrial fibrillation or antiphospholipid syndrome.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 2 Feb 2018