Blood clots are a serious health problem that can affect people without warning. They can form in different parts of the body and sometimes lead to life-threatening conditions.
When a clot forms in the legs, it is known as venous thrombosis. If this clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, which can be very dangerous and even fatal.
Although blood clots are common, many people do not fully understand why they happen. Now, new research from Lund University in Sweden has uncovered important clues.
The study found that certain genetic differences can strongly increase a person’s risk of developing blood clots in the legs. The findings were based on data from the Malmö Diet and Cancer study and help explain why some people are more at risk than others.
Blood clots can form in both arteries and veins, but they develop in different ways. Arterial clots usually happen when there is damage inside the blood vessels.
For example, fatty deposits called plaque can build up and then break open. The body reacts as if there is an injury and forms a clot. These clots can block blood flow to the heart or brain, leading to heart attacks or strokes.
Venous clots are different. They often form in the deep veins of the legs, especially when blood flow becomes slow. This can happen when a person sits still for long periods, such as during long flights or after surgery. When blood moves slowly, it can activate the body’s clotting system, causing a blockage to form.
Venous thrombosis is a major cause of illness and death worldwide, but it often receives less attention than heart disease or stroke. In Sweden alone, more than 10,000 people develop venous blood clots each year.
The risk increases as people get older, and it is also higher in people who are overweight or very tall. Taller individuals may have a higher risk because blood has to travel a longer distance from the legs back to the heart, which can slow circulation.
Lifestyle also plays an important role. Being inactive for long periods can increase the risk of clots. Obesity is another key factor, as it can affect how blood flows through the body and may increase certain clotting substances.
Diet may also matter. Some studies suggest that eating a lot of ultra-processed food could slightly raise the risk, while healthier diets rich in natural foods may help lower it. Interestingly, research has found that commercial fishermen have a lower risk of blood clots, possibly because they eat more fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Certain life situations can also raise the risk. For example, pregnancy increases clotting factors in the blood, which can make clots more likely. Long periods of bed rest after illness or surgery can also slow blood flow. In these cases, doctors may prescribe blood-thinning medications to reduce the risk.
Genetics is another important piece of the puzzle. One well-known genetic mutation is called Factor V Leiden, which is quite common in people of European background.
This mutation affects how the body controls clotting and can increase the chance of developing blood clots. In the past, this mutation may have been helpful because it reduced bleeding after injuries, but in modern life, where people are often less active, it can increase health risks.
In the new study, researchers looked at around 30,000 people and examined 27 genes related to blood clotting. They discovered three specific gene variants, known as ABO, F8, and VWF, that each increased the risk of blood clots by about 10 to 30 percent.
While this may seem small, the effect becomes much stronger when several of these genes are present together. People who carried five risk-related gene variants had up to a 180 percent higher chance of developing a clot.
Unlike Factor V Leiden, which is mainly found in certain populations, these three gene variants are common across the world. This means the findings are important not only for people in Sweden but also for people globally. Understanding these genetic risks could help doctors better identify individuals who are more likely to develop blood clots.
This research may also change how patients are treated in the future. For example, doctors may one day use genetic information to decide how long a person should take blood-thinning medication after a clot. This could lead to more personalized and effective care.
Even though we cannot change our genes, there are many ways to reduce the risk of blood clots. Staying active is one of the most important steps. Regular movement helps keep blood flowing properly.
Avoiding long periods of sitting, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet can all help. In some situations, such as after surgery, following medical advice and taking prescribed medications is essential.
Blood clots form when blood thickens and blocks a blood vessel. They can occur in arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood, or in veins, where blood flows more slowly. By understanding both genetic and lifestyle risks, people can take steps to protect their health.
This new study brings us closer to understanding why blood clots happen and how to prevent them. It shows that both our genes and our daily habits play a role, and that better knowledge can lead to better protection against this serious condition.
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