Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when blood clots form in deep veins, often in the legs, and can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism (PE). While it's a risk for everyone, emerging research highlights that men and athletes face a slightly higher chance of developing this life-threatening condition.
Let's explore some reasons why vein experts think men and professional athletes are at greater risk.
DVT: Why Men Are More Vulnerable
Studies indicate that men are slightly more likely than women to experience DVT and its potentially life-threatening consequence, PE, particularly after an initial blood clot. An additional concern is that when men do develop DVT, it tends to be more severe, often affecting larger veins closer to the body's core (proximal DVT).
While the exact reasons are not completely clear, there are several factors linked to male characteristics that appear to play a role:
Height
Interestingly, being taller has been correlated with a higher DVT risk. The longer veins in taller individuals might present a greater surface area for clots to form.
Male Hormones
Research suggests a potential link between male hormones (testosterone) and an increased likelihood of blood clot formation. However, reasons for this correlation are still being explored.
Medication Compliance
A less discussed but potentially significant factor is medication adherence. Some studies have indicated that men are less consistent in taking anticoagulants, which are prescribed to prevent recurrent blood clots.
Other Risk Factors
The well-established Wells clinical pretest score, used to assess the probability of a patient developing DVT, remains a helpful diagnostic tool for identifying high-risk individuals regardless of gender. It's important to remember that DVT doesn't discriminate, and both men and women share several common risk factors for developing DVT. These include:
- Prolonged inactivity
- A history of injuries or surgeries
- Obesity
- Smoking
- A family history of blood clots
- Use of certain medications
- Specific chronic medical conditions
Athletes and Increased Risk
Although you would think the opposite would be true, athletes face an elevated risk of DVT. Several factors are thought to contribute to this trend:
Frequent Air Travel
The demanding schedules of many professional athletes often involve frequent and long flights. Prolonged sitting with limited mobility during air travel is a well-known risk factor for DVT.
Repeated NSAID Use
Athletes frequently rely on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil to manage pain and inflammation from intense training and competition. Some studies suggest a potential link between NSAID use and an increased risk of blood clots.
Repetitive Motions and Trauma
The repetitive and often high-impact nature of many sports can lead to subtle or significant trauma and bruising, potentially damaging blood vessels and increasing the risk of clot formation.
Exertion and Dehydration
Intense physical activity can lead to dehydration, which can thicken the blood and make it more prone to clotting.
Specific Sport Risks
Data from 1999 to 2016 reveals the number of DVT events across various professional sports leagues in North America: NHL (22 events), MLB (16 events), NFL (12 events), and NBA (5 events). This highlights that athletes across different disciplines are susceptible.
Professional Athletes Who Have Suffered a DVT
Several high-profile professional athletes have been in the news after suffering from a DVT. NBA players Damian Lillard, age 34, and Victor Wembanyama, age 21, were both diagnosed with the condition in 2025 within a few months of one another.
Other well-known athletes who have experienced a DVT during their professional careers include tennis player Serena Williams and NHL players Steven Stamkos and Frederik Andersen. Andersen, who was diagnosed with a DVT and eventually a pulmonary embolism, described some of the warning signs he experienced, saying, “I was dealing with some pain low in the lungs, and that’s what kind of hindered me breathing…It was a minimum of three months on a heavy dose of blood thinners.” Andersen returned to the game after several months of treatment.
Awareness and Prevention: A Winning Strategy
Understanding the heightened risk of DVT in men and athletes is the first step towards prevention. While some risk factors, such as height, a family history of clots, a sedentary job, or a recent injury, are unavoidable, others can be managed through lifestyle modifications and proactive measures.
For both men and women, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and being aware of family history are equally important. Athletes, in particular, should prioritize staying well-hydrated, managing injuries, and being mindful of the potential risks associated with frequent air travel and NSAID use.
If you experience symptoms of DVT, such as pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in your leg, seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing serious complications. A proactive vein evaluation is the most effective preventive step you can take!
Conclusion
While the reasons behind the increased DVT risk in men and athletes are still being explored, awareness and proactive management are our strongest defenses against this potentially dangerous condition. By understanding the risks, we can all take steps to stay healthy and active.
Take control of your vein health today by scheduling a free vein health evaluation at Metro Vein Centers. Our quick, non-invasive assessments take less than an hour and are covered by most insurance plans. Our expert team will assess your individual risk factors and provide personalized recommendations for prevention and vein health management.
Book Your Free Vein Evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in many cases DVT can be prevented. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, staying hydrated (especially for athletes), and taking prescribed medications as directed can help reduce the risk.
Frequent air travel can be a risk factor for DVT because prolonged sitting with limited movement during flights can slow blood flow in the legs, increasing the risk of clot formation.
Yes, any blood clot, including DVT, can be serious as it carries the risk of traveling to the lungs and causing a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be life-threatening.
A vein health evaluation typically involves a review of your medical history, a physical examination of your legs, and potentially a non-invasive ultrasound to assess blood flow in your veins.
Yes, men are slightly more likely than women to get DVT, as adult men have a slightly higher overall risk of recurrent blood clots, due to biological and behavioral factors, including height, male hormones, and medication compliance.
Yes. While regular exercise is fantastic for your overall cardiovascular health, being active or an athlete does not make you immune to DVT. It is a common misconception that blood clots only affect the sedentary; athletes need to know the warning signs (like unusual swelling or localized pain in one leg), and listen to their bodies.
Dr. Philip LoPresti
Meet Dr. Philip LoPresti, DABVLM, FACS, a board-certified vein specialist and surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Schedule an appointment with him in Queens, NY today.
Meet Dr. Philip LoPresti
Trusted insight from the nationally accredited, board-certified vein doctors at Metro Vein Centers.
