About

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that develops within a deep vein in the body, usually in the leg. 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 also occur in the pelvis or abdomen.

It can cause pain and swelling in the leg and may lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism. DVT and pulmonary embolism together are known as venous thromboembolism (VTE).

whats dvt

DVT Symptoms

In some cases, there may be no symptoms of DVT. If symptoms do occur they can include:

01

Pain, swelling and tenderness in one of your legs (usually your calf or thigh).

02

A heavy ache in the affected area.

03

Warm skin in the area of the clot.

04

Red skin, particularly at the back of your leg below the knee.

DVT usually (although not always) affects one leg. The pain may be worse when you bend your foot upward towards your knee.

Pulmonary Embolism

This is a serious condition that occurs when a piece of blood clot breaks off into the bloodstream. This then blocks one of the blood vessels in the lungs, preventing blood from reaching them.

If left untreated, about 1 in 10 people with a DVT will develop a pulmonary embolism.

A pulmonary embolism is a very serious condition which causes:

  • Breathlessness – which may come on gradually or suddenly.
  • Chest pain – which may become worse when you breathe in
    Sudden collapse.
  • Both DVT and pulmonary embolism need urgent investigation and treatment.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have pain, swelling and tenderness in your leg and develop breathlessness and chest pain.

Diagnosing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

See your GP as soon as possible if you think you may have DVT – for example, if you have pain, swelling and a heavy ache in your leg. They’ll ask you about your symptoms and medical history.