Experts are raising alarms over the growing incidence of dangerous blood clots, particularly in younger adults, as a result of smoking and prolonged sitting, issues that have increasingly become part of modern sedentary lifestyles.
Blood clots, once a concern mostly for the elderly or hospitalised patients, are now affecting a younger demographic, aged 23-45, many of whom lead sedentary lifestyles. Experts warn that smoking combined with long hours of sitting, whether at desks, in cars, or while working from home, can significantly raise the risk of conditions like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening.
According to Dr Javed Tadvi, an interventional radiologist at Apollo Spectra in Mumbai, “DVT is no longer restricted to older adults or patients confined to bed rest. There has been a 50 per cent rise in cases among young adults who spend prolonged hours sitting and smoking. These individuals are increasingly presenting with symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, and warmth, often requiring immediate medical intervention.”
In a typical workday, many individuals, particularly those with desk jobs or frequent travel, spend hours sitting without movement, leading to the thickening of the blood, damaged blood vessels, and the creation of blood clots in the legs. This is compounded by the negative effects of smoking, which further damage the blood vessel lining and increase blood thickness.
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The formation of these clots, often without clear symptoms, can block blood flow in the legs, causing pain and swelling. However, the real danger lies in the potential for clots to travel to the lungs, resulting in pulmonary embolism, a condition that causes chest pain, breathlessness, and in severe cases, sudden death.
“Deep Vein Thrombosis is increasingly common in younger adults aged 23-45, especially among those who smoke and sit for extended periods,” says Dr. Tadvi. “The combination of smoking, which thickens the blood, and prolonged sitting, which impedes circulation, creates the perfect conditions for clot formation. If left untreated, these clots can travel to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal.”
Dr Tadvi emphasises the importance of seeking early medical intervention. “Symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, and redness should never be ignored, as they could be indicative of DVT. Pulmonary embolism, caused by clots that travel to the lungs, is a medical emergency.”
The condition, however, is treatable if diagnosed early. Blood thinners, compression therapy, and, in certain cases, advanced vascular procedures can prevent serious complications.
Prevention, though, remains the best approach. Simple lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, using compression stockings, taking regular walking breaks, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing dangerous blood clots.
Dr Abhay Bhave, Senior Consultant - Medical Oncology, Haemato-Oncology & BMT, S.L. Raheja Hospital, explains the two types of blood clots that can take place in any person, either in the vein called venous thrombosis or in the artery called arterial thrombosis.
The venous thrombosis, especially in the lower limb, he says, can travel to the lungs, and that is called pulmonary embolism, whether this is called as VTE or venous thromboembolism. "It is very important for us to prevent DVT or VTE because it contributes to the ill health of the patient. And if a large clot goes into the lung, it can cause significant morbidity and also lead to mortality in a given patient.
These blood clots can occur either as part of a surgical, post-surgical event during their immobilisation, or it can be in patients who have been immobile without surgery for a long period of time or in patients who had surgeries done on the lower limbs or upper limbs with immobility, especially with the application of Plastica. These are situations where clots can arise."
.The tendency to clot may not be tested in every patient, but certainly in those who have had a clot in the past or are about to undergo a procedure or surgery, testing is crucial, says Dr Bhave. This is especially important for those with a strong family history of clotting tendencies. "We do these tests to help prevent clots in patients who are at risk. Clots can also occur spontaneously, without any obvious cause, a condition known as unprovoked venous thromboembolism. The causes for this may be genetic or acquired, and these patients should also be tested after treatment."
Treatment options:
The treatment for clots, say experts, remains the same, whether they are genetic, acquired, or due to provocation or an unprovoked factor. However, the duration of treatment can vary. To prevent clots, it's important to recognise high-risk situations such as surgical patients or those who are obese and provide preventive therapy during these times to minimise the risk of clot formation.
For individuals who spend long hours sitting—whether in offices or on long commutes—experts advise taking short walking breaks, maintaining a healthy weight, and ensuring regular exercise. People who work from home or travel frequently should remain vigilant about their vascular health and consult healthcare professionals if they notice symptoms.
