Those with a family history of blood clots in the veins have more than double the risk of developing the condition than those without it, according to new research.

In the course of the study, Dutch scientists analyzed blood samples and family history and environmental risk factors from 1,605 patients who had experienced their first clot between 1999 and 2004.

They then compared the data with 2,159 control participants who were the same sex and age but had not had venous thrombosis.

"Both in those with and without genetic or environmental risk factors, family history remained associated with venous thrombosis," the authors wrote in an article published in Archives of Internal Medicine.

"For those with a genetic and environmental risk factor and a positive family history, the risk was about 64-fold higher than others," they added.

Environmental factors include surgical treatment, injury, a period of immobilization, oral contraceptives and obesity.

Those who are concerned about their weight and its impact on health can choose one of many dietary regimes that may help shed pounds.

The alkaline diet – rich in citrus fruits, vegetables, tubers, nuts and legumes – is one option, and it has the added benefit of boosting bone health into old age.

Amazing blood pressure secret from the Japanese

For more than 1,000 years, people in Japan have consumed a soy-based food called natto, which contains a unique enzyme called nattokinase. By eating this powerful enzyme, the Japanese keep their blood vessels clear and free of dangerous blood clots.

Plus, there's an amazing side effect—less blood pressure is needed to push blood through your arteries. In fact, a blue ribbon study in Japan showed a 10.9% drop in systolic blood pressure and a 9.7% drop in diastolic blood pressure with nattokinase supplementation.

Now, after many centuries in secrecy, nattokinase is finally available in America.

Clearly, if you want to support healthy circulation and enjoy normal blood pressure at the same time, nattokinase is the nutrient for you. To find out how to get this scientifically proven enzyme in an inexpensive daily supplement, click here.