What Causes a Pulmonary Blood Clot?

Though blood clots are essential in some cases to prevent blood loss, when they occur in a vein, they can be life-threatening. One of the most common causes of a pulmonary blood clot is dehydration, though a lack of physical activity can also be to blame. In some cases, a pulmonary blood clot can be caused by weakened veins, which are not able to pump blood through the body, resulting in pooling of blood in the extremities. Individuals with weakened veins are typically required to wear supportive stockings in order to aid in blood circulation.

One of the most common causes of a pulmonary blood clot is dehydration. In fact, dehydration has been found not only to be on the most common but also one of the most preventable causes of pulmonary blood clots. Those who have been diagnosed with a pulmonary blood clot in the past, have been told that they may be at risk for the development of the condition, or who have a family history of pulmonary blood clots should be sure to consume high amounts of water, especially during travel and periods of high heat when dehydration rates may increase.

A pulmonary blood clot may also be caused by a lack of physical activity. Studies have found that participation in a regular exercise regimen may be one of the best ways to prevent the formation of a pulmonary blood clot. For best results, those who are at risk for the development of a blood clot should consider engaging in at least thirty minutes of cardiovascular exercise each day. Activities such as walking, swimming, or even riding a bike can be a good options for those suffering from this conditions. Individuals who have never exercised before and who have been diagnosed with or at risk for a pulmonary blood clot may want to consult with a physical therapist prior to starting an exercise routine in order to ensure basic safety measures are maintained.

Weakened veins may also lead to the formation of a pulmonary blood clot. Veins that have weakened due to age or other medical conditions often are unable to adequate circulate blood through the body, resulting in high amounts of blood pooling. This blood pooling can lead to the development of severe blood clots, which in some cases can be life-threatening. Those who have been found to have weakened veins are often encouraged to wear supportive stockings in order to prevent the pooling of blood in the extremities.