Smoking and Prolonged Sitting Cuaing 50% Surge In Dangerous Blood Clots, Warn Experts

Currently, habits such as smoking and prolonged sitting, desk jobs, are no longer just lifestyle issues but major causes of dangerous blood clots, increasing the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and life-threatening pulmonary embolism

There is a concern over the growing number of people developing serious blood clots due to smoking and long hours of sitting at desks. Conditions like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), once seen mostly in elderly or hospitalized patients, are now affecting younger adults aged 23-45 with sedentary lifestyles. These clots can block blood flow in the legs and may travel to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal complication. Experts stress that it is time to pay attention to vascular health and overall well-being and seek timely help.

With hectic work schedules, long desk hours, work-from-home culture, frequent travel, and lack of physical activity, many people spend hours sitting without movement. Combined with smoking, this raises health risks.

 “Smoking and prolonged sitting not only cause obesity and high blood pressure but also thicken the blood, damage blood vessels, and lead to dangerous blood clots in the legs, leading to Deep Vein Thrombosis. It is a condition where a blood clot forms in the deep veins, usually in the legs. It can cause leg pain, swelling, warmth, redness, and heaviness. In some cases, DVT shows very mild or no symptoms, making it even more dangerous. If the clot travels to the lungs, it can cause pulmonary embolism, leading to breathlessness, chest pain, collapse, or even sudden death.”

 “Deep Vein Thrombosis is no longer limited to older patients or those confined to bed. There is a 50% surge in cases of DVT in young adults aged 23-45 who sit for long hours and smoke regularly. Monthly, 5 out of 10 patients come with symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, warmth, redness, and are advised to receive prompt treatment. Smoking damages the inner lining of blood vessels and makes blood thicker, while prolonged sitting slows blood flow in the legs. Together, these factors create the perfect environment for clot formation. If left untreated, these clots can move to the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening. Early symptoms like leg swelling, pain, or unexplained breathlessness should never be ignored.”

“DVT can be treated effectively if diagnosed early using blood thinners, compression therapy, and in some cases, advanced vascular procedures. Prevention plays a key role. Simple steps like quitting smoking, using compression stockings, taking short walking breaks every hour, staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular exercise can reduce risk. People with desk jobs or frequent travel should be extra cautious and seek medical advice if they notice warning signs.”

Dr Javed Tadvi, Interventional  Radiologist, Apollo Spectra Mumbai