Rare blood clots can be extremely deadly, and some behaviors increase the risk. A blood clot, or thrombus, can travel through the bloodstream until it becomes caught in a narrow tube, and if not treated swiftly, can be fatal.

Blood clotting can be caused by a variety of reasons, which can result in a reduction or complete blockage of blood flow.

According to studies, blood clots can cause a heart attack, a stroke, organ damage, or even death.

Smoking, says The American Heart Association, increases the risk of blood clots and makes platelets more prone to clump together. Smoking also affects the lining of blood arteries, increasing the risk of clot formation.

According to the Mayo Clinic, you can also lessen your risk by not sitting still for lengthy periods of time or by engaging in sedentary activities.

It says: “If you have had surgery or have been on bed rest for other reasons, try to get moving as soon as possible.”

If you are in or have recently left hospital, especially if you are unable to walk about much after an operation, you are at risk.

If you have a high risk of blood clots after being in the hospital, follow your care team’s recommendations for clot prevention.

Obesity and the use of combined hormonal contraception, such as the combined pill, are also risk factors.

Your risk increases if you are pregnant or have recently given birth. Inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease or rheumatoid arthritis might also raise your risk of blood clots.

Deep vein thrombosis is more common in people over 60, but it can happen at any age.

If you’re at a higher risk, avoid drinking a lot of alcohol because it can dehydrate you and make you more prone to clots.

Some drugs, according to the AHA, can potentially interfere with the body’s normal blood coagulation mechanism.

Other dangers include:

• Dehydration is a condition caused by a lack of fluid in the body. Blood arteries narrow and blood thicken as a result of this illness, increasing the risk of blood clots.
• Transplantation of organs and implantation of medical equipment, such as central venous catheters and dialysis shunts. Blood vessel surgery or procedures may cause damage to the vessel walls. Blood clots can occur as a result of this. In addition, catheters and shunts contain an artificial surface that can promote blood clotting.

DVT is a medical condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, generally in the leg.

DVT symptoms and signs, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:

• Swollen Leg. Swelling in both legs is uncommon.
• Pain in your leg. The pain often starts in your calf and can feel like cramping or soreness.
• Red or discoloured skin on the leg.
• A feeling of warmth in the affected leg.

Nonetheless, it warns that deep vein thrombosis can strike without warning. If you experience signs or symptoms of DVT, call your doctor, adds the health organization.

“If you develop signs or symptoms of a pulmonary embolism (PE) — a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis — seek emergency medical help,” it adds.

The following are warning signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, according to the Mayo Clinic:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath or when you cough
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or fainting
• Rapid pulse
• Rapid breathing
• Coughing up blood.

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