The Age Factor – Over 60

As we age, our bodies become frail; bone density drops, blood pressure increases and we are less capable of healing damaged tissue and bone. This fatigue increases the risk of a pulmonary embolism in a number of ways. Because injuries take longer to heal or don’t heal at all, patients see longer periods of bed rest which restricts the circulatory system’s ability to work effectively.

Another way age becomes a risk factor is a gradual increase in blood pressure. High blood pressure damages veins and arteries, which can cause leaking, rupturing or narrowing to occur. Vessels which have become narrow are much more susceptible to blockage, leading to free-floating blood clots.