African Americans: Higher Blood Clot Risk

It’s a known fact that African Americans have a higher risk of some illnesses, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) but researchers have discovered that they are also at a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots in the deep veins, usually the legs. This also puts them at a higher risk of pulmonary embolism, which is the result of a clot breaking loose and going to the lungs.

Dr. Garth Graham from the Office of Minority Health at the Department of Health and Human Services, spoke about minorities and DVTs at the Venous Disease Coalition (VDC) Annual Meeting. The Venous Disease Coalition is a network of people who are working together to help raise awareness of venous disease. They offer this quick quiz so you may see if you are at an increased risk of developing a DVT.

The statistics for DVT in the United States are high. According to the Coalition,

Approximately 350,000 to 600,000 Americans suffer from DVT and PE each year, and at least 100,000 deaths may be directly or indirectly related to these diseases. African Americans have a remarkable 30 percent higher risk of DVT and PE than the Caucasian population.

Are you at risk?

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