Deep vein thrombosis is also called DVT and is the development of blood clots in the veins, usually deep inside the body. This very commonly happens in the calves, thighs, or pelvis. The clot by itself is not as dangerous as the chance of it getting dislodged and getting stuck in a blood vessel in your lungs. Some of the causes of DVT and its risk factors are listed below.

• Sitting for extended periods
  If you are in a job that requires you to sit for hours together, the muscles in your legs do not get enough movement, which causes problems in blood circulation, increasing your chances of developing DVT. Long flight rides or car rides where you sit with your legs all cramped can also be one of the causes of DVT.
• Pregnancy
  For women, pregnancy is a stage that can increase the risk factors of developing DVT. As a woman progresses with her pregnancy period, the excess weight in the body, and the lack of active physical movement can cause blood clots to appear in the legs and pelvis areas. Women after their sixth month of pregnancy are monitored constantly for clots.
• Smoking
  If you are an excessive smoker, you can be at the risk of suffering DVT. A smoker’s blood cells are stickier when compared to the blood cells of non-smokers. This makes it easy for clots to form. The damage to your blood vessels because of smoking is an increased risk factor.
• Blood clotting disorder
  If you are diagnosed with an inherited blood clotting disorder, your blood may clot easily, resulting in DVT.
• Extended periods of bed rest
  If you are on advised bed rest for months because of an injury or a physical impairment, regular blood flow through the vessels is hindered, resulting in clots. People on bed rest are hence required to take up physiotherapy sessions to prevent this.
• Obesity
  One of the preventable yet common causes of DVT is obesity. The more weight you have to carry around, the more pressure you put on your blood vessels. Obesity also limits physical movements, and this can increase the chance of developing DVT.
• Use of birth control pills
  There are millions of women in the world who use birth control pills as a contraceptive method. Some studies prove using such pills can encourage blood clots to develop.

You should be aware of all these risk factors and DVT causes to keep yourself healthy and clot-free. If you notice sudden pain in your legs, calf, or pelvis, followed by shortness of breath or dizziness, get medical attention immediately. When caught early, this condition is easy to treat.