What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is blood clot that usually occurs in the leg, most often on one side, although it can happen in other parts of the body. DVT afflicts over 380,000 people per year in the United States. If the blood clot dislodges, it can travel to the lungs and cause a blockage known as a pulmonary embolism (PE) or lung clot. Lung clots affect over 530,000 people a year and 300,000, or almost 1 out of 3, are fatal.

What are the Symptoms of DVT?

Watch for these DVT (leg clot) symptoms:

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

Watch for these PE (lung clot) symptoms:

Sudden shortness of breath
Chest pain-sharp, stabbing; may get worse with deep breath
Heart rate over 100/minute
Unexplained cough, sometimes with bloody mucus

If you experience symptoms seek medical attention immediately!

Who is at Risk for DVT?

Anyone could potentially develop a DVT. The likelihood of developing DVT increases with age, and DVT occurs most commonly over the age of 60. However, there are certain risk factors that increase the chance that any person will develop a DVT. These include:

Smoking
Obesity- Body Mass Index over 30
Immobility
Hospitalization
Surgery or trauma
Pregnancy
Hormone based contraceptives

Some chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease or congestive heart failure)
Air travel (long-distance)
Hereditary thrombophilias (such as deficiencies of protein C, protein S, or antithrombin; factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation)
Some acquired blood conditions (such as antiphospholipid antibodies or elevated levels of homocysteine) .

Other Resources

Resource	Format	Key Points
American Heart Association 2002	PDF	PE and DVT definitions; Acquired and inherited risk factors; Diagnosis; Treatment; Prevention
“A New Perspective on Deep Vein Thrombosis”	Can purchase booklet	Definition of DVT; Circulatory system; Symptoms and Complications; Diagnosis; Treatment; Word Glossary;
Mayo Clinic.com December 9, 2003	Printable	Overview of PE; Signs/symptoms; Causes; Risk Factors; When to seek medical advice; Screening and Diagnosis; Complications; Treatment; Prevention;
US National Library of Medicine; NIH 11/29/01	Printable	DVT: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Complications, Prognosis, Treatment.
British United Provident Association (Health Care Service) Health Information Team June 2003	PDF	What are DVT’s? Who gets them? Where do they happen? Associated problems; Symptoms (DVT and PE);Prevention and Treatment
JAMA- Patient information page on PE February 14, 2001	Printable	Definition of PE; Signs and Symptoms; Risk Factors; Prevention Tips
University of California San Francisco- Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center	Not Printable	Thrombosis (DVT and PE); Types; Risk Factors; Prevention; Warning Signs; Diagnosis; Treatment;
American Public Health Association Feb 26, 2003	Printable	DVT Introduction; Outlining scope of the problem; Risk factors; Awareness; Call to action; summary of health care provider meeting.
How Stuff Works	Video	Watch this video about blood clots on HowStuffWorks. New research in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treatment shows that combining a clot-dissolving drug with a clot removal device helps to remove blood clots in the body faster and reduces patient risk for pulmonary embolism and disability.

Thrombophlebitis

Resource	PDF/Printable	Key Points
JAMA Patient Page	PDF	Definition; risk factors; diagnosis; prevention; treatment