Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in one of the deep veins in the body. Blood clots that develop in a vein are also known as venous thrombosis.

DVT usually occurs in a deep leg vein, a larger vein that runs through the muscles of the calf and the thigh. It can cause pain and swelling in the leg and may lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism – when a piece of blood clot breaks off into the bloodstream and blocks one of the blood vessels in the lungs.

DVT and pulmonary embolism together are known as venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Who is at risk?

Each year, one in every 1,000 people in the UK are affected by DVT.

Anyone can develop a DVT, although it becomes more common with age. As well as age, risk factors include:

• previous venous thromboembolism
• a family history of thrombosis
• medical condition such as cancer and heart failure
• inactivity (for example, after an operation) and
• being overweight or obese.

The early signs

In some cases of DVT there may be no symptoms, but it is important to be aware of the signs and risk factors of thrombosis and see your doctor as soon as possible if you think you may have a blood clot. DVT can cause pain, swelling and a heavy ache in your leg.

Preventing DVT

There are several things you can do to help prevent DVT occurring, such as stopping smoking, losing weight if you are overweight, and walking regularly to improve the circulation in your legs.

There is no evidence that supports taking aspirin to reduce your risk of developing DVT.

Assessing risk

Surgery and some medical treatments can increase your risk of developing DVT. It is estimated that 25,000 people who are admitted to hospital die from preventable blood clots each year.

All patients admitted to hospital should be assessed for their risk of developing a blood clot and, if necessary, given preventative treatment

The Symptoms

In some cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) there may be no symptoms, but possible symptoms can include:

• pain, swelling and tenderness in one of your legs (usually your calf)
• a heavy ache in the affected area
• warm skin in the area of the clot and
• redness of your skin, particularly at the back of your leg, below the knee

DVT usually (although not always) affects one leg. The pain may be made worse by bending your foot upward towards your knee.

If DVT is not treated, a pulmonary embolism – a blood clot that has come away from its original site and become lodged in one of your lungs – may occur. If you have a pulmonary embolism, you may experience more serious symptoms such as:

• breathlessness, which may come on gradually or suddenly
• chest pain, which may become worse when you breathe in, and
• sudden collapse

Both DVT and pulmonary embolism are serious conditions that require urgent investigation and treatment.

Related posts:

1. High Blood Pressure or Hypertension