Venous thromboembolism (VTE)

Who gets blood clots?

Anyone can get a blood clot, but you're more at risk if you cant move around much or if youre unwell.

You've probably heard of blood clots linked to long-haul plane journeys or the contraceptive pill, but most blood clots actually develop during or just after a stay in hospital.

Your risk is also increased if you:

are over 60 years old
are overweight or obese
have had a blood clot before
are having hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
are pregnant or have recently given birth
are dehydrated
have cancer or are having cancer treatment
have a condition that causes your blood to clot more easily than normal, such as antiphospholipid syndrome

The rest of this topic will focus on blood clots linked with admission to hospital.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

Articles for venous thromboembolism (vte)

Introduction

Every year, thousands of people in the UK develop a blood clot in a vein. It's known as venous thromboembolism (VTE) and is a serious, potentially fatal, medical condition.

Anyone can get a blood clot, but you're more at risk if you cant move around much or if youre unwell. You've probably heard of blood clots linked to long-haul plane journeys or the contraceptive pill,

Hospital-acquired blood clots

In 2005, a Houseof Commons Health Committee reportstated that every year in England an estimated 25,000 deaths occur as a result of hospital-acquired VTE. The report also stated that the estimated num

Assessing your risk of blood clots

When you arrive at hospital, you should be checked for your risk of blood clots. Hospital staff will record your age and weight and ask you about your general health. The assessment will also take int

Reducingyour risk of blood clots

There are things you and the medical professionals looking after you can do before, during and after your hospital stay to minimise your risk of developing a blood clot. Before coming into hospital Yo

How to tell if you have a blood clot

Before leaving hospital, you should be told about anything you need to look out for that could suggest you've developed a blood clot. Symptoms of a blood clot can include: cramping pain, redness, war

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