What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a vascular condition in which the veins become inflamed and blood clots form inside. This condition almost always develop in the veins in the legs, but occasionally occur in the arms or, more rarely, other parts of the body. DVT occurs in the deep veins that are far below the skin surface.

The most significant danger for people with DVT is a pulmonary embolism, an infrequent but potentially fatal complication of the condition. A pulmonary embolism occurs when part of a blood clot breaks off, travels through the veins to the heart and from there into the pulmonary arteries, which supply the lungs with blood.

The clot can cut off the lung's blood supply, causing shortness of breath, chest pain, and other symptoms. DVT can also cause post-thrombotic syndrome, a condition in which the veins are permanently damaged, and patients develop varicose veins, pain, swelling, and, in some cases, skin ulcers.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. These clots usually occur in the lower leg or thigh, but can occur in other parts of the body too. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, where it can block a lung artery – causing damage to the lungs or other organs by depriving them of oxygen.

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a leg, thigh or pelvic vein. The danger of a DVT is that it can break off and travel to the lung, resulting in a pulmonary embolism, a serious and potentially fatal complication responsible for over 50,000 deaths in the United States each year.

Anyone can get a blood clot, but some people, especially those who develop multiple DVTs, are genetically predisposed to form blood clots more easily. And more than 80% of people that develop a DVT have at least one, and often more than one, risk factor.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition in which blood clots form within the large veins of the body, such as the calves and thighs, or also sometimes in the pelvis, chest, or arms. These blood clots impede the circulation of blood and nutrients to the limbs, as well as to various organs and body systems. Such clots may become very dangerous if they break off because they can travel to another part of the body such as the lungs, brain, or heart and block circulation to that organ. This may result in severe tissue damage and create a life-threatening situation if the clot is left untreated.

DVT may be without symptoms until complications arise. In about half of all people who have it, the condition may cause some uncomfortable symptoms.

Superficial venous thrombosis is a less serious but similar condition in which blood clots form in veins closer to the surface of the skin. Blood clots in these vessels are much less likely to travel to other parts of the body.

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Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep inside the body. Most commonly, deep-vein thrombosis is found in the veins of the lower extremity (legs and thigh). The blood clot that forms in DVT can block blood flow and cause swelling and pain. The condition develops in patients after surgery or after sitting for a long period (such as an overseas flight). DVT is characterized by these changes in the involved leg: skin color (redness), increased warmth, pain when standing or walking, tenderness, and swelling of the leg or foot or along a vein in the leg.

This answer provided for NATA by Loras College.

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs. It can break loose and travel through the bloodstream to the lung. This is called pulmonary embolism and can be very dangerous.

Deep vein thrombophlebitis (DVT) is a blood clot inside a vein. DVT is rare, but it can be a serious health problem if it’s not treated. Without treatment, the blood clot can travel to your heart and lungs and block blood flow. This can cause chest pain, breathing problems and, in rare cases, even death.

Blood clots also can happen in the veins around your pelvic area. This is more common if you’ve had a cesarean birth (c-section). A c-section is surgery in which your baby is born through a cut that your health care provider makes in your belly and uterus.

Signs of DVT include a high fever and tenderness, pain or swelling in your leg, especially around your calf.

Hormonal changes make all women at risk for DVT after giving birth. Other risks for DVT include:

• Having a c-section. Your chances of having a DVT in your leg is about 3 to 5 times greater after a c-section than after a vaginal birth
• Being obese
• Being older than 35
• Not being able to walk around after surgery as much as your provider wants you to

If you think you may have DVT, call your health care provider immediately. You may need to go to the hospital. Your provider may give you a blood thinner to treat the clot and prevent any new clots.