Thrombosis refers to the abnormal formation of blood clots within a blood vessel. These clots can restrict or completely block blood flow, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Hospitalized patients are particularly vulnerable to thrombosis due to factors such as prolonged bed rest, surgery, advanced age, or underlying medical conditions. The risk is especially high for patients who are immobile or have a history of clotting disorders.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes both DVT and PE, is one of the most common and preventable causes of hospital-related complications and death. Despite this, VTE often goes unrecognized until a major event occurs. This is why proactive risk assessment is so critical in hospitalized patients, especially those admitted for medical—not surgical—reasons.
The Padua Score Calculator is a valuable clinical tool used to assess the risk of thrombosis in non-surgical hospitalized patients. It consists of a list of known risk factors, each assigned a point value based on how strongly they contribute to the risk of VTE. These factors include active cancer, recent surgery or trauma, reduced mobility, certain medical conditions, and more. The total score helps determine whether a patient is at low or high risk of developing a thromboembolic event.
This score allows healthcare providers to make informed decisions about whether a patient should receive preventive treatment, such as blood thinners or mechanical devices like compression stockings. Without proper assessment and prevention, high-risk patients could suffer from serious complications that may delay recovery or even result in death. By using the Padua Score Calculator, clinicians can take steps early in the hospitalization process to protect their patients from preventable harm.
The Padua Score is calculated by evaluating several clinical factors that are known to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalized patients. Each factor contributes a specific number of points based on its risk level. These factors include:
Each selected factor adds to the total score, helping clinicians identify patients who may require preventative intervention.
Once all relevant factors are checked, the total score is calculated. The Padua Score ranges from 0 to a possible maximum of 20 points. The threshold used to determine risk levels is as follows:
The Padua Score helps healthcare providers quickly assess and respond to the needs of hospitalized patients. By recognizing the presence of multiple risk factors, clinicians can take action to prevent complications and ensure safer recovery during the hospital stay.
The Padua Score Calculator is specifically designed for use in adult patients who are hospitalized for medical—not surgical—reasons. It is most appropriate in situations where patients are expected to be immobile for a significant period of time or have acute or chronic illnesses that may increase the risk of blood clots.
Examples of appropriate situations include:
It is typically used upon hospital admission and should be revisited if the patient’s clinical condition changes, such as developing new symptoms, undergoing a procedure, or becoming more immobile.
The Padua Score Calculator is a tool primarily intended for use by healthcare professionals, including:
Although the calculator is designed for clinical use, it can also be helpful for patients and caregivers who want to better understand thrombosis risk factors. However, any interpretation of the score and decision regarding treatment should always be made by a qualified healthcare provider.
Cancer increases the risk of blood clots due to the disease itself and the effects of treatments like chemotherapy or surgery. Patients with active cancer, or those who have been in remission for less than six months, are considered high risk and receive 3 points in the Padua Score.
A previous episode of VTE—such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE)—strongly indicates a tendency for clotting. This history adds 3 points to the total score, excluding cases of superficial venous thrombosis.
Prolonged immobility slows blood circulation, particularly in the lower limbs, which can lead to clot formation. Patients who remain in bed for at least three days are given 3 points due to this significant risk.
Certain inherited or acquired clotting disorders make blood more likely to clot. Examples include deficiencies in protein S or C, or genetic mutations like Factor V Leiden. These conditions add 3 points to the Padua Score.
Surgical procedures and trauma trigger the body’s clotting mechanisms. If a patient has undergone surgery or experienced trauma in the past 30 days, 2 points are added due to the elevated clotting risk.
As patients age, the risk of VTE increases. Individuals who are 70 years or older receive 1 point in the Padua Score, as older age contributes to reduced mobility and changes in blood flow.
Heart or lung failure can result in poor circulation and reduced oxygen levels, which heighten the risk of thrombosis. This clinical condition contributes 1 point to the overall score.
Patients recovering from a heart attack or ischemic stroke are at increased risk for clotting, often due to decreased mobility and vascular inflammation. This adds 1 point to the total risk score.
Acute infections and active rheumatologic diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, may activate the clotting system and contribute to vascular inflammation. These conditions add 1 point to the Padua Score.
Excess body weight is associated with higher pressure in the veins and a greater risk of blood stasis and clotting. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more are given 1 point.
Hormonal treatments—such as estrogen therapy or hormone replacement therapy—can increase the risk of clot formation. This risk factor adds 1 point to the Padua Score.
Using the Padua Score Calculator is simple and only takes a few moments. Follow these steps to assess your or your patient’s risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE):
It is important to be accurate and thorough when checking the items. If you're unsure about any of the conditions, it's best to consult a healthcare professional for clarification.
The total Padua Score determines whether a patient is at low or high risk for developing a blood clot during their hospital stay:
It’s important to remember that this score is one part of a broader clinical assessment. While it provides a helpful guideline, final treatment decisions should always be made by a qualified medical provider based on the full clinical picture.
By calculating the Padua Score, healthcare professionals can make informed, proactive decisions to help protect patients from avoidable complications related to blood clots.
Once you've calculated the Padua Score, it's important to understand what the result means in terms of the patient's risk level:
Recognizing the difference between low and high risk allows healthcare providers to make evidence-based decisions that reduce the likelihood of serious complications.
After identifying the risk level, the next step is to decide on the most appropriate preventive measures:
Venous thrombosis, particularly deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), poses a serious threat to hospitalized patients. When a blood clot forms in a deep vein—usually in the legs—it can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a life-threatening blockage known as a pulmonary embolism.
If left untreated, venous thromboembolism (VTE) can lead to:
These risks highlight why it’s crucial to identify and manage thrombosis before it leads to complications.
Early detection of thrombosis risk through tools like the Padua Score allows healthcare providers to act before clots form. Proactively managing risk with appropriate interventions—such as anticoagulants or mechanical compression devices—can significantly reduce the incidence of VTE in hospitalized patients.
The key benefits of thrombosis prevention include:
While healthcare providers play a key role in managing thrombosis risk, patients can also take simple, proactive steps to protect themselves. Whether you are already hospitalized or preparing for a hospital stay, here are some helpful tips to reduce your chances of developing a blood clot:
Being aware of your own risk and staying involved in your care can make a big difference in your safety and recovery.
Hospitals have established protocols to help prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE), especially in patients identified as high risk through tools like the Padua Score. Common preventive measures include:
The Padua Score is used to assess the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), in hospitalized medical patients. It helps healthcare providers decide whether preventive treatment is needed to reduce the risk of blood clots.
The calculator is mainly intended for use by healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and clinical staff. However, patients and caregivers can also use it for educational purposes to better understand thrombosis risk factors. Any score should be discussed with a medical professional before taking action.
No. The Padua Score is designed for non-surgical (medical) hospitalized patients. Surgical patients are usually assessed with a different tool more specific to postoperative risk.
A score of 4 or higher means the patient is at high risk of developing a blood clot during their hospital stay. Preventive measures, such as anticoagulants or compression therapy, may be recommended.
Yes. A patient's condition can change during hospitalization, which may affect their risk level. It’s important for healthcare providers to reassess the score if the patient’s health status changes significantly.
If the calculator indicates a high risk, you should speak with your doctor or healthcare team. They will determine the safest and most appropriate preventive treatment based on your full medical history and condition.
No. The Padua Score Calculator is a risk assessment tool—not a diagnostic tool. It helps identify patients who are more likely to develop blood clots, but it cannot detect or confirm the presence of a clot.
Common risk factors include active cancer, recent surgery or trauma, immobility, advanced age, history of blood clots, clotting disorders, obesity, and hormone therapy.
The Padua Score is based on clinical research and widely used in hospitals. While it is a reliable guide for assessing VTE risk, it should always be used alongside professional medical judgment.
Yes, you can use it for educational purposes at home. However, you should not make any treatment decisions based on the score alone. Always consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and care.
The Padua Score Calculator provided on this page is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The results generated by this calculator should not be used to make decisions about your health without consulting a qualified healthcare provider.
Always seek the guidance of your physician or other licensed health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay medical advice based on information from this tool.
While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, we do not guarantee its completeness or applicability to your specific situation. Use of this calculator is at your own risk.