What are the risk factors for pulmonary embolism?
Risk factors that are associated with the processes that may increase the risk of a venous thromboembolism include: • genetic conditions that increase the risk of blood clot formation • surgery or trauma (especially to the legs) or orthopedic surgery • situations in which mobility is limited, such as extended bed rest, flying or riding long distances, or paralysis • previous history of clots • older age • cancer and cancer therapy • certain medical conditions, such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, and inflammatory bowel disease (chronic inflammation of the digestive tract) • certain medications, such as oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and hormone replacement therapy (estrogen pills for postmenopausal women) • pregnancy (during and after pregnancy, including cesarean section) • obesity • varicose veins (enlarged veins in the legs) • cigarette smoking A risk factor is anything that may increase a person’
