A condition arising when a thrombus formed in the deep veins of a leg or the pelvis travels to a lung where it may cause death. The condition may affect anyone who is inactive for long periods.
Blood-clot formation in a deep vein, occurring most frequently in the iliac and femoral veins.
A blood clot in a large vein. Deep vein thrombosis usually occurs in the leg, less often in the arm or pelvic veins. The blood clot blocks the vein and prevents the flow of blood back to the heart, causing the blood to back up and resulting in swelling and pain or tenderness. There is a risk that a portion of the blood clot can break free, travel through the bloodstream, and lodge in the lungs, brain, heart, or other organ, where it can cause serious damage and even death. In most cases, deep vein thrombosis resolves through natural healing, as the blood clot dissolves and normal blood flow is restored. Hospitalization for initial treatment is usually required. Anticoagulants (such as heparin or warfarin) or antiplatelet drugs (such as aspirin) are used to prevent further clotting and prevent clots from traveling through the bloodstream.
A blood coagulation occurring within the deep vein of the calf can often give rise to a condition known as pulmonary embolism, should it remain unattended and untreated.
The development of a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg.
The root cause often involves a mix of sluggish blood circulation in a specific body area—such as during prolonged sitting or when tissues are compressed, like on long airplane flights—and a heightened propensity for the blood to clot. This increased clotting tendency can occur due to dehydration, post-surgery or injury, throughout pregnancy, in certain genetic conditions, and among women using birth control pills.
Deep vein thrombosis can also be attributed to polycythemia, a condition characterized by an elevated number of red blood cells. It frequently occurs in individuals with heart failure or those who have suffered a stroke, as well as in people who have been confined to bed for extended periods.
Blood clots in the leg veins can lead to symptoms like pain, tenderness, swelling, skin discoloration, and even skin ulcers, although they can sometimes occur without any symptoms. While a deep vein thrombosis might not be inherently severe, there is a risk that a fragment of the clot could dislodge and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, resulting in a condition known as a pulmonary embolism.
Diagnosis is typically carried out using Doppler ultrasound imaging. Treatment varies based on the location and size of the clots. Minor clots confined to the calf may not require treatment if the patient is able to move around. In other cases, anticoagulant or thrombolytic medications are administered. When there’s a significant risk of a pulmonary embolism occurring, a thrombectomy, or surgical removal of the clot, might be undertaken.
The likelihood of developing deep vein thrombosis on long-haul flights can be minimized by wearing compression stockings, frequently moving your legs and feet, and staying well-hydrated with non-alcoholic beverages.