Everything You Should Know About Pulmonary Embolism

Risk Factors

Some people are born with blood that clots too quickly, which increases the risk of developing a pulmonary embolism. Other risk factors include being inactive for extended periods of time, such as during a long car ride, or being bedridden after surgery or during pregnancy; recent surgery of the brain, hips, stomach or legs; certain diseases, such as heart failure, stroke, a severe infection, or cancer; or taking birth control or hormone therapy pills. Smoking and pregnancy may also increase the risk, especially if a woman has had a cesarean section. Being obese or over the age of seventy significantly increases the risk. Other risk factors include having a family history of blood clots, supplements that enhance estrogen, catheters in the veins, certain cancers, and receiving a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease.