Blood Clots in Legs Causes: Why do blood clots form in the legs? Scientists have revealed the frightening reason.:In venous thrombosis, the blood thickens and begins to clot in the veins, causing blockages. The risk of blood clots has been shown to be up to 180 percent higher.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Sudden pain, swelling, or heaviness in the legs may seem like a simple problem, but it could also be due to a serious cause, such as a blood clot. Medically known as venous thrombosis, this condition occurs when blood thickens and pools in the veins, causing blockages. If this clot breaks off and reaches the lungs, it can lead to a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism.

What turned out to be the problem?

Recently, a study by scientists at Lund University revealed a surprising finding regarding this problem. This study found that not only lifestyle factors but also certain genes can significantly increase the risk of blood clots. This research was conducted on data from approximately 30,000 people as part of the "Malmo Diet and Cancer Study." In this study, scientists studied 27 genes that are linked to blood clotting. After analysis, three major genes—ABO, F8, and VWF—were identified as contributing to this increased risk.

According to the research, each of these genes alone can increase the risk by 10 to 30 percent. However, if a person has several such genetic factors together, the risk increases significantly. People who had up to five such risk factors had a 180 percent higher risk of developing blood clots. This discovery helps explain why some people develop this problem without any apparent reason. The scientists also revealed that a genetic mutation called "Factor V Leiden" is already known to increase the tendency to form blood clots.

Lifestyle plays an important role

However, not only genes, but lifestyle also plays a role. Prolonged sedentary time, such as on a long flight or bed rest after surgery, slows blood flow and increases the risk of clots. Obesity, advanced age, and height are also considered risk factors. Diet may also play a role. Some studies suggest that a high intake of ultra-processed foods may increase the risk, while a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the risk.

Treatment can be improved

Experts believe that in the future, this kind of genetic information could be used to improve treatment. This could help determine which patients need blood thinners and for how long.