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Deep Vein Thrombosis (Blood Clot in the Leg, DVT)
Deep Vein Thrombosis Overview
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) refers to a blood clot embedded in one of the major deep veins of the lower legs, thighs, or pelvis. A clot blocks blood circulation through these veins, which carries blood from the lower body back to the heart. The blockage can cause pain, swelling, or warmth in the affected leg. Blood clots in the veins can cause inflammation (irritation) called thrombophlebitis. Severe complications of deep vein thrombosis occur when a clot breaks loose (or embolizes) and travels through the bloodstream, causing blockage of blood vessels (pulmonary arteries) in the lung. Called pulmonary embolism, this can lead to severe difficulty in breathing and even death, depending on the degree of blockage.
In the United States, about 2 million people per year develop deep vein thrombosis. Most of them are aged 40 years or older. Up to 600,000 are hospitalized each year for the condition. Deep vein thrombosis can lead to a more serious complication, blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism). Statistics reveal that at least 650,000 persons die each year from pulmonary embolism, making it the third most common cause of death in the United States.
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Deep Vein Thrombosis Causes
Three factors may lead to formation of a clot inside a blood vessel.
- Damage to the inside of a blood vessel due to trauma or other
conditions
- Changes in normal blood flow, including unusual turbulence, or partial or
complete blockage of blood flow
- Hypercoagulability, a rare state in which the blood is more likely than usual to clot
Any component that contributes to one or more of these three criteria can cause deep vein thrombosis. The more common risk factors are as follows:
- Prolonged sitting, such as during a long plane or car ride
- Prolonged bed rest or immobility, such as after injury or during illness
(such as stroke)
- Recent surgery, particularly orthopedic, gynecologic, or heart
surgery
- Recent trauma to the lower body, such as fractures of the bones of the hip,
thigh, or lower leg
- Obesity
- Heart attack or heart failure
- Recent childbirth
- Being at very high altitude, greater than 14,000 feet
- Use of estrogen replacement (hormone therapy, or HT) or birth control
pills
- Cancer
- Rare inherited genetic changes in certain blood clotting factors
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a medical condition in which
blood clotting occurs inappropriately, usually caused by overwhelming infection
or organ failure
- Certain heart or respiratory conditions
- Advanced age
If an individual has one deep vein thrombosis, they are more likely to have a second deep vein thrombosis.
Deep Vein Thrombosis Symptoms
Symptoms occur in the affected leg when a clot obstructs blood flow and causes inflammation. Symptoms may include the following:
- Swelling
- Gradual onset of pain
- Redness
- Warmth to the touch
- Worsening leg pain when bending the foot
- Leg cramps, especially at night
- Bluish or whitish discoloration of skin
However, almost 30%-50% of individuals with deep vein thrombosis do not experience symptoms from the condition.
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