Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep within a muscle. It can occur in any vein, but most often in leg veins. In some patients with DVT, parts of the clot can break off and move to other blood vessels in other parts of the body, lodging in lungs or other areas. When it lodges in the lungs, it’s called pulmonary embolism, a condition that can be life-threatening.

Risk factors

Several factors contribute to developing DVT. Other conditions that increase the tendency of blood to clot include recent surgery, nonsurgical trauma, previous DVT, long period of bed rest, cancer, leg paralysis, obesity and use of estrogen or birth control pills, and inherited tendency toward blood clotting.

Symptoms

Symptoms of DVT usually occur in one leg. They may include:

• pain or tenderness
• swelling
• a warm feeling in the leg
• changes in skin color, redness in the leg
• swelling that worsens with standing

Treatment

Deep vein thrombosis is treated to prevent clots from moving and lodging in a more dangerous location, or causing more serious complications. Usually, DVT is treated with anticoagulant medications. In rare cases, surgery is performed. Your doctor will discuss treatment options with you and tailor a treatment plan to your needs.

Prevention

If you are at risk for DVT, you can take steps to prevent it.

• wear elastic stockings  if recommended by your doctor
• take medications that prevent blood clots
• do leg exercises

Deep vein thrombosis fact sheet (pdf)