According to new guidance, the risk of developing potentially fatal blood clots should be assessed in all patients admitted to hospital in Scotland.

Experts believe that due to factors such as the ageing population there is an escalation in venous thromboembolism, VTE, a range of conditions including deep vein thrombosis, DVT, and pulmonary embolism, PE.

But those at risk might not always be properly assessed as there are currently inconsistencies across Scotland in the diagnosis, prevention and management of the condition.

The latest guidance states that all patients get the same level of care ass the treatment needs to be standardized, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, SIGN, released the guidance.

Lives of a lot of people can be saved if the advice was followed properly. Campaigners calling for greater recognition of the problems caused by blood clots welcomed the guidance.

Clinical symptoms of DVT will be developed by around one in 1,000 people every year. Thrombosis may affect other parts of the body and the deep veins of the lower limbs are affected most commonly.

Sudden death can also be caused by the disease in some serious cases as it can result in a pulmonary.

Patients due to their ill health and being immobile for long periods and who are going into hospital often have a higher risk of clots.