Prolonged Sitting Nearly Claims Young Man's Life: A Cautionary Tale of Blood Clots and Inactivity
A 24-year-old man's life was put in jeopardy due to the formation of multiple blood clots caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. This alarming incident serves as a warning to the public about the dangers of neglecting the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle. The young man, known as Mr. Lan, had a job that required him to sit for extended periods, and he rarely engaged in physical activity outside of work. His lack of exercise and mobility ultimately led to the development of blood clots in his legs and lungs, putting his life at risk.
27 June 2025
According to medical professionals, Mr. Lan's condition was directly related to his unhealthy lifestyle habits. The formation of blood clots in his legs and lungs was a result of poor circulation caused by prolonged sitting and inactivity. This case highlights the importance of regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent such life-threatening conditions.
Mr. Lan had been leading a sedentary lifestyle due to the nature of his work. He rarely exercised and would often lie down after work, engaging in little to no physical activity. On June 10th, he suddenly developed persistent swelling and pain in his left hip, accompanied by local tenderness and limited mobility. Despite resting, the pain did not subside significantly. Initially, Mr. Lan did not take the symptoms seriously. However, when the pain persisted for four days and his left lower limb began to swell on June 14th, he sought medical attention at a hospital clinic.

The doctor performed an ultrasound examination of Mr. Lan's lower limbs, which revealed a blood clot in his left iliac vein and blood flow stagnation in his left lower limb. The ultrasound results were critical, and Mr. Lan was immediately admitted to the vascular surgery department. Upon admission, it was found that his left lower limb was severely swollen, with high tension and elevated skin temperature compared to the other side. He also had tenderness in his left hip. A CT angiography (CTA) scan showed that Mr. Lan had developed multiple pulmonary embolisms and pulmonary infarctions due to the blood clot in his lower limb.
At this point, Mr. Lan's condition was extremely critical, with multiple blood clots in his inferior vena cava, iliac veins, and lower limb deep veins. He was at risk of developing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism at any moment. The medical team, led by Director Li Liangxue, quickly developed a detailed surgical plan to perform a series of interventions, including percutaneous thrombectomy, vena cava filter placement, and catheter-directed thrombolysis. The team's plan encompassed multiple procedures, including percutaneous DSA for inferior vena cava thrombectomy, placement of an inferior vena cava filter, percutaneous thrombectomy of the lower limb veins, iliac vein balloon angioplasty, catheter-directed thrombolysis of the inferior vena cava, and catheter-directed thrombolysis of the iliac vein.
The surgery was complex and challenging, with a high risk of dislodging the blood clot and causing a fatal pulmonary embolism. However, thanks to the skilled and dedicated medical team, the surgery was successful, and Mr. Lan's condition improved significantly after the operation. His vital signs gradually stabilized, and he began to recover. After undergoing these interventional surgeries, Mr. Lan's condition was brought under control, and he is currently recovering well.
According to Dr. Li, prolonged sitting is a major contributor to the formation of blood clots. To prevent blood clots, individuals should avoid sitting for extended periods, take regular breaks to stand up and move around, and perform simple exercises to stimulate blood flow in their legs. Additionally, drinking plenty of water can help reduce blood viscosity. For those who must sit for long periods due to work or other reasons, wearing medical compression stockings can help promote venous return and reduce the risk of blood clots. If symptoms such as leg swelling, pain, or suspected blood clots appear, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. By taking these preventive measures, individuals can minimize their risk of developing blood clots and reduce the likelihood of life-threatening complications like pulmonary embolism.
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