The Beat Goes On:
Living with Atrial Fibrillation

CHAPTERS

Risk Factors

Explore what can put you at risk for VTE and other blood clots.

Most blood clots can be stopped before they start!

  • VTE and other blood clots can be dangerous, but you can take steps to prevent them.
  • Knowing the signs and risks of blood clots can help you take charge of your health, and maybe even save your life.
Woman thinking

What raises your risk for VTE and other blood clots?

A blood clot can form when your blood doesn’t move well through your body.

  • Surgery, especially on your bones or joints
  • Injury to a bone or a blood vessel, or any other major injuries
  • Long trips or long periods of sitting or bed rest
  • Being pregnant or recently had a baby
  • Irregular heart beats such as atrial fibrillation
  • Using birth control pills or hormone therapy
  • Having cancer or getting treatment for cancer
  • Having had a blood clot before
  • A family history of clotting disorders, such as having your blood clot more quickly than other people, or having slow blood flow
  • Age matters. After age 40, your risk gets higher every 10 years.
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Interactive Guide

Blood Clots:

What You Need to Know

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