A 29-year-old woman using a combined oral contraceptive (COC) develops a migraine without aura while on holiday at high altitude (over 3,000 metres). ...

Question

A 29-year-old woman using a combined oral contraceptive (COC) develops a migraine without aura while on holiday at high altitude (over 3,000 metres). She has never had migraines before. What additional factor increases her VTE risk?

Accepted Answer

High altitude has no effect on VTE risk

Answer

Altitude above 4,500 metres is associated with increased VTE risk; combined with CHC use, her risk is further elevated

Answer

Only altitude above 8,000 metres is relevant

Answer

VTE risk decreases at altitude

Answer

Altitude only affects arterial, not venous, thrombosis

uk-dfsrh MCQ (SBA): CHC VTE Risk at Altitude

A 29-year-old woman using a combined oral contraceptive (COC) develops a migraine without aura while on holiday at high altitude (over 3,000 metres). She has never had migraines before. What additional factor increases her VTE risk?