Private MD News

Low iron levels may be a risk factor for blood clots

Category: Coagulation and blood clotting disorders

Individuals who are already at risk for developing blood clots or other cardiovascular complications may benefit from seeking blood testing to measure their iron levels. New research indicates that low levels of the nutrient may increase the chances of experiencing a serious blood clot.

The Imperial College London researchers who conducted the study said their results indicate that iron deficiencies should be treated as soon as they are diagnosed, as a blood clot can be a serious health problem. Often, they simply cause pain and swelling in the affected part of the body, but they can travel to the heart, leading to a heart attack.

For the study, the team examined the medical records of more than 600 patients. The results showed that those who had the lowest levels of iron were at the highest risk of developing a blood clot at some point in their life. The researchers said their findings may serve as an early warning sign of potential cardiovascular problems.

"Most of our patients who had blood clots did not have any of the known risk factors," said Claire Shovlin, who led the study.