Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. Most occur in the lower leg or thigh; they can also form in the pelvis, and in the arms, especially where a large intravenous central line sits in the vein. If the vein becomes inflamed and swollen, the condition is called thrombophlebitis.
DVT is part of venous thromboembolism (VTE), along with pulmonary embolism (PE): a clot can break loose and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a serious, possibly life-threatening blockage. VTE is common — as many as 600,000 events occur in the United States each year.
Who is at risk
- After surgery or injury. The risk is highest after major surgery or major injury, because clots can form in damaged veins.
- Not moving. Sitting still for a long time — after surgery, or on a long journey — makes clots more likely.
- Infection and inflammation. Serious infection and inflammation also raise the chance of clotting.
- Medicines and disorders. Some medicines and conditions that increase the risk of blood clots can lead to DVT.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of DVT are:
- warmth and tenderness over the vein;
- pain or swelling in the affected part of the body, often a leg that is tender to the touch;
- redness of the skin.
A clot that has reached the lungs can cause shortness of breath and pain when breathing. Symptoms are not the same for everyone, and sometimes there are none until serious complications develop. Call a health care provider right away if you think you may have symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment includes medicines to ease pain and inflammation, break up clots and stop new ones forming. Keeping the affected area raised and applying moist heat can also help.
On long trips
On a long car or plane journey, take breaks, walk or stretch your legs, and drink plenty of fluids.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Deep Vein Thrombosis." https://medlineplus.gov/deepveinthrombosis.html
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, "Venous Thromboembolism" and its pages on causes and symptoms, used for where clots form besides the leg, pulmonary embolism, how common VTE is, risk after surgery, injury, infection and inflammation, and symptoms: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/venous-thromboembolism
- Rewritten in hubnx's own words.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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