Risk Factors - Thromboembolism

The major risk factors for DVT/PE can be remembered with the mnemonic

His Leg Might Fall Off

History of thromboembolism
Immobility (hospital/institution)
Surgery (*abdominal/pelvic/orthopaedic)
Varicose Veins in the Leg
Malignancy
Fracture/Trauma
Oestrogen (pregnancy - *late, OCP, HRT)

thanks to:
http://youngmongoose.blogspot.com/2010/02/dvtpe-risk-factors.html

Minor Risk Factors include:
CVS - MI/HT/Heart Failure/Indwelling Central Line
Resp - COPD
Haem - Thrombophilia eg antithrombin, Protein C or S deficiency/Factor V Leiden mutation/aPPL antibody/Prothrombin variant/Homocysteinaemia
Polycythaemia/Thrombocythaemia/PN Haemoglobinuria/Sickle Cell Anaemia
ID - Serious Infection
GE - IBD/Obesity
Renal - Nephrotic Syndrome

Also important to recall:

Virchow's Triad

• Endothelial Injury
• Stasis
• Hypercoagulability

Imagine the tube at rush hour - stuck (stasis) at station, filled with people (hypercoagulability) with their bags and briefcases stuck in the doors (endothelial injury).