Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) & Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Deep Vein Thrombosis: Signs and Symptoms

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of your body, usually in your legs. Acute DVT Left Leg

Swelling, usually in one leg
Leg pain or tenderness
Reddish or bluish skin discoloration
Leg warm to touch

These symptoms of a blood clot may feel similar to a pulled muscle or a “Charlie horse,” but may differ in that the leg may be swollen, slightly discolored, and warm. Contact your doctor if you have these symptoms, because you may need treatment right away.

Pulmonary Embolism: Signs and Symptoms

Clots can break off from a DVT and travel to the lung, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be fatal

Sudden shortness of breath
Chest pain-sharp, stabbing; may get worse with deep breath
Rapid heart rate
Unexplained cough, sometimes with bloody mucus

Call an ambulance or 911 immediately for treatment in the ER

350,000—600,000 people in the United States develop blood clots every year. About 100,000 people in the U.S. die each year from blood clots, which means that about 1 of 3 may die.

Reference: The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism, US Dept of Health and Human Services, 2008.

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