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Several conditions and common risks make people more susceptible to blood clots, thereby increasing the risk for embolism. They include:
- Immobilization, which puts a strain on the circulatory system. Long periods of inactivity may increase the risk for blood clots. Examples include long road trips by car, long air flights and extensive bed rest due to illness or surgery. Dehydration increases this risk. This is why it is suggested that air travelers, for example, stick to nonalcoholic beverages during long flights.
- Heart conditions associated with increased risk of intracardiac clots such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, cardiomyopathy, and mitral valve disease. Other heart conditions include cardiac tumors, septal defects and infective endocarditis.
- Severe atheromatous changes of the aortic arch. This may result in formation of embolic material such as thrombi and atherosclerotic debris.
- Blood abnormalities, which may be congenital (e.g., developed before birth) or acquired (e.g., from disease or medication).
- HIV, particularly in persons younger than 50 years of age who have respiratory symptoms.
- Trauma to the legs, which may be caused by an accident, surgery or conditions such as deep vein thrombosis.
- Menopausal women using hormone replacement therapy, especially a combination of estrogen and progestin, are more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis, which can lead to pulmonary embolism.
- Advanced age, especially over 70.
- Obesity (body mass index greater than 30).
- Cancer. Some types of cancer are associated with blood clot formation and emboli.
- Infection. Recent studies have shown some evidence that infection (e.g., urinary tract infection, respiratory infection) can increase the risk of blood clot formation, particularly deep vein thrombosis.
- Pregnancy.
Other risk factors may include taking certain medications such as birth control pills and medications for osteoporosis.
SCUBA divers are particularly at risk for air or gas embolisms that can occur if the diver resurfaces too quickly. In this scenario, pressure builds inside the lungs, causing them to rupture and release air or gas into the bloodstream. | 
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