Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot, or thrombus, forms in one or more of the deep veins in the legs. This blockage in blood flow results in leg pain and swelling. This can become more serious if blood clots in the legs break loose, travel through the bloodstream and become lodged in the blood vessels of the lungs which will block the normal blood flow and decrease the amount of oxygen that is carried through the body by the blood. This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE) and can be life-threatening.
Am I At Risk of Developing Deep Vein Thrombosis?
There are several common risk factors for deep vein thrombosis. Knowing these risk factors can help you to know if you are at risk of developing DVT.
- Blood clotting disorders or a family history of clotting
- Not moving for long periods of time while working or traveling
- Taking birth control or hormone replacement therapy that contains estrogen
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Smoking
- Hospitalization or being confined to bed
- Age