A common trigger for venous thromboembolism is immobility or decreased mobility. This is because when the body is not moving, the blood flow circulation slows down and increases the risk of blood clots. Other risk factors for venous thromboembolism can include cancer, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and certain medical conditions such as deep vein thrombosis.
Immobility can increase the risk for venous thromboembolism in a few ways. First, when the body is not moving, blood circulation slows down, which increases the risk of blood clots forming. Second, when the body is immobile or not actively moving, the calf muscles are not actively contracting, which can lead to a decrease in the calf muscle pump mechanism and lead to an increase in blood stasis, or pooling of blood in the veins. Finally, immobility can also lead to an increase in the procoagulant activity of the blood, which can increase the risk of clot formation.
In order to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism, it is important to stay active and move to keep the body’s circulation going. Regular exercise can help to reduce the risk of developing blood clots and reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism. Additionally, avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy weight can also help to reduce the risk of developing blood clots.