Recurrent miscarriages and endometriosis may increase risk of venous thromboembolism

A new Japanese study has revealed that recurrent miscarriages and Endometriosis may increase the risk of Venous Thromboembolism. These new risk factors could prove crucial for ensuring pregnant women at high risk of the condition can be monitored and treated correctly. So, what is Venous Thromboembolism and what exactly did the new study find?

What is Venous Thromboembolism?

Venous Thromboembolism is a potentially fatal condition, referring to blood clots which develop within the veins and travel up to the lungs. There are two main types of the condition including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.

Deep vein thrombosis typically starts in the leg and if you suffer from varicose veins then you shouldn’t necessarily worry that it can result in DVT as varicose veins typically affect the veins closest to the surface of the skin. However, with very severe varicose veins, there can be a potential risk of DVT occurring.

With DVT, the blood clot develops and lodges within the vein. A pulmonary embolism is where the blood clot breaks free from the vein wall and travels up to the lungs. It’s more common in blood clots which have developed within the thigh and if the clot does travel to the lungs, it will potentially prove fatal. In pregnant women, it’s one of the leading causes of maternal fatality.

What did the new study find?

The Japanese study, published within the Thrombosis and Haemostatis Journal, analysed national data to identify risk factors which contributed to the development of the condition. The study was carried out on the Japanese population as the condition is much less common in Japanese populations.

It looked at data from approximately 103,070 pregnant women, between January 2011 and March 2014. The researchers discovered several risk factors for the condition, including high BMI, IVF treatment, older maternal age and smoking. All of these risk factors had already been discovered through previous studies, but Endometriosis and recurrent miscarriages were two new risk factors identified.

Seeking treatment for varicose veins

Although there are numerous reasons Venous Thrombosis can develop in pregnancy, sometimes it’s down to poor vein health. Therefore, seeking treatment for varicose veins before you decide to get pregnant, is a good way to minimise the risks.

If you’re concerned about your vein health, call 01872 308 520 to book a consultation with the Cornwall Vein Clinic today. The earlier the condition is treated, the fewer complications it’s likely to cause.