Blood clots are rarely triggered by one thing.
Evidence-based research declares them “multifactorial” – a combination of more than one event or trigger, which may include genetics.
These triggers work together to form a perfect storm to develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or a combination of DVT and PE called venous thromboembolism. (VTE)
Having a genetic clotting disorder doesn’t mean you will form a blood clot. It increases your risk.
Recent research has added a layer of hope to the genetics and VTE link.
LIFESTYLE choices IMPACT Genetics
In 2020, the American Heart Association (AHA) released research from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, (ARIC) showing Lifestyle Moderates Genetic Risks of VTE.
ARIC revealed among people at low or high genetic risk for VTE, healthier lifestyle factors, particularly normal weight, were associated with a lower incidence of VTE.
The American Heart Association (AHA) used an abundance of evidence from studies (like ARIC)to identify these healthier lifestyle factors.
Calling them Life’s Simple 8 (LS8).
LS8 is a blueprint for achieving ideal cardiovascular health, including risk reduction for blood clots.
A blueprint that closely relates to the foundational pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. (LM Pillars)
ARIC links cardiovascular health and related diseases to blood clots
Starting in 1987, the ARIC study enrolled 15,792 middle-aged (45-64 years) men and women in four communities in the United States.
The initial goal of the ARIC study was to investigate the root causes and risk factors of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque on artery walls to predict cardiovascular outcomes.
During the ARIC Study, researchers came to include risk factors for the prediction of other cardiovascular events like stroke, heart attack, AFIB, peripheral artery disease, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and other cardiovascular conditions.
As testing measures and understanding of the data improve, the ARIC study has become a valuable resource for the study of diabetes, kidney disease, and other chronic conditions.
Conditions that not only share the same risks with blood clots but have been linked to an increased risk of DVT, PE and VTE.
Because of ARIC, there have been more than 2000 ancillary studies (and counting) that have shaped guidelines that doctors now use to treat coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and other conditions and chronic illnesses that impact cardiovascular health – including VTE.
Learn more about the ARIC Study here.
Knowing your genetic (family ) history for blood clots is important.
But knowing how genetics and risks work together helps you create a plan with your provider, to reduce your blood clot risks, and support your recovery and long-term health after thrombosis.
Resources:
Thrombosis Statpearls Publishing
Epidemiology and Genetics of Venous Thromboembolism and Chronic Venous Disease: PMID: 34110897
Lifestyle Factors and Venous Thromboembolism in Two Cohort Studies
Lifestyle Moderates Genetic Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: PMID: 32878478
Exploring Opportunities for Primary Prevention of Unprovoked Venous Thromboembolism: Ready for Prime Time?: PMID: 33191841
