How to avoid venous thromboembolism in women at increased risk--with special focus on low-risk periods

Thromb Res. 2015 Sep;136(3):513-8. doi: 10.1016/j.thromres.2015.06.020. Epub 2015 Jun 19.

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of mortality during Western women's fertile life. Although half of thromboembolic events occur during times of low-risk situations, almost all our knowledge is focused on medical thromboprophylaxis during high-risk situations. Thus, since we only use medical thromboprophylaxis at high-risk periods, lifestyle advice could be an attractive complement both during high- and low-risk situations. The knowledge of how lifestyle factors affect VTE risk has grown in recent years, and women at high risk are often highly motivated to make changes in order to reduce their risk. This review is focused on modifiable risk factors for VTE and advice that may be given to women at increased risk of VTE.

Keywords: Lifestyle; Obesity; Psychological stress; Pulmonary embolism; Risk factor; Sleep; Thrombosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Combined Modality Therapy / statistics & numerical data
  • Diet Therapy / statistics & numerical data*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Exercise Therapy / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk Reduction Behavior*
  • Smoking Cessation / statistics & numerical data*
  • Survival Rate
  • Venous Thromboembolism / mortality*
  • Venous Thromboembolism / prevention & control*
  • Women's Health / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult