Speaking of Blood Clots | Awareness, Advocacy & Lifestyle Education for Women

1,220,000

Estimated number of blood clots (DVT, PE AND VTE) in the United States, annually 1

Up to 50%

Percentage of a FIRST VTE considered unprovoked - not caused by commonly accepted triggers or specific events 2

12%

Estimated reduction in unprovoked VTE by simultaneously improving FOUR lifestyle areas (obesity, Western diet, sedentary lifestyle and smoking) in 25% of the general population 3

The Overlooked Story in Cardiovascular Education

"When we talk about women’s cardiovascular health, the heart takes the spotlight. But what about the 60,000 miles of blood vessels working behind the scenes to keep everything moving?

Too often, the vascular system—and lifestyle’s role in supporting it—is overlooked. This gap leaves women vulnerable to preventable risks and uncertain about their future health decisions.

Lifestyle isn’t just a choice—it’s the foundation of women’s health. By focusing on this foundation, women can reduce blood clot risks, recover stronger, and age with confidence."

~ Val Conley, Blood Clot Survivor and Founder of Speaking of Blood Clots

Main Content

Join the Blood Clot Conversation on YouTube

Lifestyle Changes Women Should Focus on to Reduce Their Blood Clot Risks

Plant Based Tofu Bowl

Eat
Woman Lifting a Barbell

Move
Alarm Clock

Rest
Post It Notes on Computer Monitor

Manage
Group of Women Connected in Conversation

Connect
Planning Blood Clot Recovery and Life After Blood Clots

Plan

Hi. I'm Val.
Do You Know the Lifestyle Risks Linked to Women and Blood Clots?

It may seem like a strange question to ask, but it’s one my first hematologist should have asked after I survived my first blood clot—a massive saddle pulmonary embolism with right ventricular heart failure.

Blood clots are traditionally categorized as provoked or unprovoked. Provoked blood clots have identifiable triggers, known as risk factors, while unprovoked clots occur without an apparent cause. But do they really?

Advancements in science and research have expanded our understanding of blood clot triggers, particularly lifestyle-related risks like obesity, dietary patterns, sedentary behavior, stress, and sleep.

The challenge lies in defining what constitutes a trigger, which can vary from doctor to doctor. This inconsistency often leaves patients, like me, with conflicting and confusing information.

I received AMAZING critical care. However, the communication gaps between specialists during my recovery left me frustrated and unaware that my struggle with obesity was considered a significant trigger for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Unfortunately, this lack of education contributed to a second pulmonary embolism.

This experience inspired me to start an educational company focused exclusively on lifestyle risk factors. We're dedicated to closing cardiovascular communication gaps and empowering women with the tools to become shared decision-makers in blood clot prevention, recovery, and moving forward after blood clots.

Val Conley