Breaking down blood clots
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What you need to know about Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
Have you ever noticed swelling, cramping, or pain in your leg and thought it was just fatigue? Sometimes, what feels ordinary could actually be a sign of something more serious.
Blood clots, particularly in the deep veins, can quietly develop and lead to conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
What are DVT and PE?1-5
When a clot forms in the deep veins of the body—most often in the calf or thigh of one leg—it is called a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). If the clot becomes large, a piece may break away and travel to the lungs, blocking blood flow. This is known as Pulmonary Embolism (PE).
Together, DVT and PE are often referred to as Venous Thromboembolism (VTE).
Signs and Symptoms
It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the two conditions.
DVT may cause1-3:
- Soreness or cramp-like pain in one leg
- Swelling
- Skin that feels warm to the touch and looks red or discolored
PE may cause1,3-5:
- Chest pain that worsens when coughing or taking a deep breath
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Fast heartbeat
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Fever, sweating, or clammy skin
Because PE is a complication of DVT, you may also experience DVT symptoms.
What are the Risk Factors?1-6
VTE can develop when normal blood flow slows or is blocked, allowing clots to form. This may happen due to injury, surgery, or even certain medications that increase blood clotting.1
You may be at higher risk for DVT and PE if you:
- Are confined to bed rest or long periods of immobility
- Are pregnant or have recently given birth
- Have a personal or family history of blood clots
- Smoke
- Are overweight or obese
- Are over 60 years old
- Take certain medications (e.g., contraceptive pills, some cancer treatments)
- Have certain health conditions (e.g., heart failure, cancer, kidney disease, or inflammatory bowel disease)
Remember, DVT and PE are serious conditions, but the good news is that effective treatments are available. Consult your doctor regarding lifestyle changes, management plans, and treatment options.
REFERENCES:
1Mayo Clinic. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/ syc-20352557?p=1.
2NHS. DVT (deep vein thrombosis). October 2019. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt/.
3Cleveland Clinic. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). March 2022. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16911-deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt. 4. Mayo Clinic. Pulmonary embolism. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-embolism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354647?p=1.
4NHS. Pulmonary embo- lism. April 2020. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pulmonary-embolism/.
5Cleveland Clinic. Pulmonary embolism: who is at risk. July 2019. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15802-pulmonary-embolism-who-is-at-risk Accessed Date: June 2024
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