3. Hormonal Shifts

Women that are pregnant, on birth control pills, or undergoing hormone replacement therapy may be at higher risk because of changes in estrogen levels, which can make blood more prone to clot.

4. Lifestyle Factors

Smoking
Obesity
Dehydration
Excessive alcohol intake
A sedentary lifestyle

5. Age

When we age, our veins and arteries become less elastic and our activity levels often drop, which increases risk—even without other underlying issues.

Sneaky Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Clots can be quiet and subtle, but sometimes your body does give you clues. Keep an eye out for the following:

Swelling in one leg or arm that comes out of nowhere
Pain or cramping, especially in the calf
Skin that feels warm to the touch or changes color (red, blue, or pale)
Sudden shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat
Sharp chest pain, particularly when breathing deeply
Coughing up blood
Feeling faint or lightheaded