14/11/2025
DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling. Sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms.
Blood clot in leg vein
A blood clot in a leg vein may cause pain, warmth and tenderness in the affected area.
You can get DVT if you have certain medical conditions that affect how the blood clots. A blood clot in the legs can also develop if you don't move for a long time. For example, you might not move a lot when traveling a long distance or when you're on bed rest due to surgery, an illness or an accident.
Deep vein thrombosis can be serious because blood clots in the veins can break loose. The clots can then travel through the bloodstream and get stuck in the lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism). When DVT and pulmonary embolism occur together, it's called venous thromboembolism (VTE).
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Symptoms
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) symptoms can include:
• Leg swelling
• Leg pain, cramping or soreness that often starts in the calf
• Change in skin color on the leg — such as red or purple, depending on the color of your skin
• A feeling of warmth on the affected leg
Deep vein thrombosis can occur without noticeable symptoms.
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When to see a doctor
If you develop symptoms of Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), contact your health care provider.
If you develop symptoms of a pulmonary embolism (PE) — a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis — seek emergency medical help.
The warning signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath or when you cough
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Fainting
• Rapid pulse
• Rapid breathing
• Coughing up blood
Pulmonary embolism
A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot gets stuck in an artery in the lung, blocking blood flow to part of the lung. Blood clots most often start in the legs and travel up through the right side of the heart and into the lungs. This is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
