Deep vein thrombosis how is it caused

Deep vein thrombosis DVT is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein. These clots usually develop in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but they can also occur in the arm.

It is important to know about DVT because it can happen to anybody and can cause serious illness, disability, and in some cases, death. The good news is that DVT is preventable and treatable if discovered early. Venous thromboembolism VTE , a term referring to blood clots in the veins, is an underdiagnosed and serious, yet preventable medical condition that can cause disability and death.

The American Society of Hematology external icon ASH recognizes the need for a comprehensive set of guidelines on the treatment of VTE to help the medical community better manage this serious condition.

In partnership with the McMaster University GRADE Centre external icon , ASH brought together experts to address this challenge, including hematologists, other clinicians, guideline development specialists, and patient representatives. Access the new guidelines external icon. The most serious complication of DVT happens when a part of the clot breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a blockage called pulmonary embolism PE.

If the clot is small, and with appropriate treatment, people can recover from PE. However, there could be some damage to the lungs. If the clot is large, it can stop blood from reaching the lungs and is fatal. In addition, one-third to one-half of people who have a DVT will have long-term complications caused by the damage the clot does to the valves in the vein called post-thrombotic syndrome PTS.

Deep Vein Thrombosis. By Beth W. Orenstein Medically Reviewed by Pat F. Reviewed: August 21, Medically Reviewed. Forgot Username or Password? Duplex Ultrasound MRI. Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis DVT There are a variety of risk factors that contribute to the development of deep vein thrombosis: Surgery, particularly surgery of the hip or leg, or abdominal surgery Trauma or bone fracture A long period of bed rest or sitting for a long time e.

Risk factors related to or that may contribute to deep vein thrombosis and thrombophlebitis include, but are not limited to, the following: Obesity An inherited tendency that increases risk for blood clots Age greater than 60 Type A blood group Who is at risk to develop chronic DVT?

Cancer patients Patients taking hormonal contraceptives birth control pills Patients who are pregnant Patients who have undergone recent surgery Patients who are immobilized Patiens with a family history of blood clots.

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Our Clinics Our treatment programs are designed for you. Visit one of our clinics to make an appointment. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Blood clot in leg vein Open pop-up dialog box Close. Blood clot in leg vein A blood clot in a leg vein may cause pain, warmth and tenderness in the affected area.

Pulmonary embolism Open pop-up dialog box Close. Pulmonary embolism Pulmonary embolism PE occurs when a blood clot gets lodged in an artery in the lung, blocking blood flow to part of the lung. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter.

Show references Venous thromboembolism. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed Sept. Bauer KA, et al. Clinical presentation and diagnosis of the nonpregnant adult with suspected deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity. Bonow RO, et al. Cardiovascular disease in the elderly. Elsevier;