Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a thrombus (blood clot) forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower limbs, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. A DVT blood clot has the potential to move into the lungs and block circulation to this vital organ creating a life threatening condition – known as pulmonary embolism (PE) – requiring immediate medical attention.

Up to two million Americans suffer from DVT annually. Approximately 600,000 Americans are hospitalized each year for DVT and its primary complication, PE. DVT-related PE is the most common cause of preventable hospital death. Approximately 300,000 die from PE, the majority of which result from DVT. Complications from DVT kill more people each year in the United States than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Venous thrombosis in the lower limb can involve the superficial leg veins; the deep veins of the calf (calf vein thrombosis); or the more proximal veins, including popliteal veins, the superficial femoral, common femoral, and iliac veins.

Less commonly, thrombosis involves other veins in the body. Unlike the superficial veins just below the skin surface, most of the deep veins are surrounded by powerful muscles that contract to force blood back to the heart. One-way valves inside the veins prevent backflow of blood between muscle contractions. When the rhythm of circulation slows down due to illness, injury or inactivity, there may be a tendency for blood to accumulate or “pool.” A static pool of blood provides an ideal environment for clot formation.

Who Is at Risk for Deep-Vein Thrombosis?
Certain individuals may be at increased risk for developing DVT; however, DVT can occur in almost anyone. Risk factors or triggering events include, but are not limited to:
• Congestive heart failure or respiratory failure
• Restricted mobility
• Cancer
• Infection
• Obesity
• Age > 40 years
• Surgery
• Varicose veins
• Prior history of VTE (e.g. DVT or PE)
• Chronic lung disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Smoking


The best way to reduce your risk of DVT is to talk to your doctor about your risks, especially if you have cancer or certain heart or respiratory diseases.

Resources

Download "DVT-RiskAssessmentTool.pdf" Are You At Risk?
Find out if you or a loved one is at risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Download "DVT-Disease.pdf" More About DVT
Knowing the facts could save your life...
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The Coalition to Prevent Deep-Vein Thrombosis
Visit this website for more information...