Early detection and treatment of DVT can prevent complications

A thrombus is a blood clot that develops in your heart or a blood vessel. When thrombosis occurs in one of the large veins buried deep in your body, you have a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a form of peripheral vascular disease. DVT typically forms in the thigh and lower leg but can also form in the arm and pelvis.

Over time, DVT can cause a condition known as post-thrombotic syndrome, in which the DVT damages blood vessels and causes long-term swelling, pain, ulcers and physical disability.

An untreated DVT can break off and travel through the bloodstream and enter the lungs. If the clot is large enough, it can prevent blood from reaching the lungs, cause dangerously low oxygen levels and can even be fatal.

Knowing the symptoms and risk factors of DVT can help you identify and get treatment for these blood clots early.

woman being evaluated by medical provider for deep vein thrombosis

DVT symptoms

DVT may not cause noticeable symptoms. If you experience symptoms, they affect the area near the leg vein, arm or other area with the blood clot. Symptoms of DVT include:

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Severe headache

When DVT moves to the lungs, symptoms may include:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Blood when you cough

What causes deep vein thrombosis?

Anything that slows or changes your blood flow can cause blood to clot and cause a DVT to form. Reasons your blood may clot include:

  • Being on long-term bed rest
  • Giving birth
  • Having surgery
  • Sitting in the same position for long periods
  • Using estrogen or birth control pills
  • Smoking or using tobacco products
close up of vital sign monitor during a deep vein thrombosis surgery

Deep vein thrombosis risk factors

DVT affects people of all ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic status. You may be at higher risk due to:

  • Age: Most cases occur in adults after age 60.
  • Limited movement: This often occurs with injury, paralysis, prolonged bed rest or air travel.
  • Certain medical conditions: Heart disease, lung disease, cancer, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), and lupus are among the medical conditions that increase your risk of blood clots.
  • Family history: You may inherit a predisposition for blood clots and DVT.
  • Injury or surgery: Fractures or surgeries involving the hip, knee or pelvis can cause blood clots.
  • Smoking: Tobacco smoke causes blood cells to become sticky and form clots. It also damages blood vessels and increases the formation of blood clots.

Detecting and diagnosing DVT

Diagnosing DVT starts with a discussion of your medical history and a physical exam. Your provider will ask about pain, swelling and other symptoms you’ve experienced, and they may order one or more of the following diagnostic tests:

Blood test

Blood tests can demonstrate if your blood produces clots and measure for specific protein levels or genetic markers that might increase your risk for clotting.

Imaging test

Imaging tests like venography and duplex ultrasounds allow doctors to see through deep veins and arteries. CT scans can also be helpful in certain situations.

DVT treatment

DVT treatment may involve medication or surgery.

Blood thinners

Blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, are designed to prevent blood clots from forming.

Find a location near you

Our vascular specialists are available at Baylor Scott & White locations throughout North and Central Texas, so you can find a location close to home that makes attending follow-up visits easy and convenient.