Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in the body's deep veins, usually in the lower leg or thigh.
Part of a clot may break off and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).
An embolism can get stuck in the brain, lungs, heart, or other area, leading to severe damage, and, possibly death. DVT can occur at any age.
Risk Factors of DVT
- Major surgery
- After a pacemaker catheter has been passed through the vein in the groin
- Immobility, such as being in the hospital and long travel
- Recent injury
- Increased estrogen, from birth control pills, pregnancy, and certain medications
- Certain chronic medical illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer
- Previous DVT
- Age (risk increases as age increases)
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Too many blood cells being made by the bone marrow (polycythemia vera), causing the blood to be thicker and slower than normal
Symptoms of DVT and PE
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
About half of people with DVT have no symptoms at all. For those who do have symptoms, the following are the most common and occur in the affected part of the body - usually the leg:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Redness of the skin
If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately:
- Find it hard to breathe
- Have a faster than normal heart beat
- Have chest pain or discomfort, which usually worse with a deep breath or coughing
- Cough up blood
- Have very low blood pressure or lightheadedness, or black out