Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep vein, usually in the lower limbs. Pulmonary embolism (PE), which is a complication of DVT, can occur when a piece of the blood clot breaks loose from the vein and migrates to the lungs, where it blocks a pulmonary artery or one of its branches.

The Seriousness of DVT:

• Close to 2 million American are affected annually by DVT.
• Of those who develop PE, up to 300,000 will die each year.
• More people die in the U.S. from PE than breast cancer and AIDS combined.

Symptoms of DVT may include pain, swelling, tenderness, discoloration or redness of the affected area, and skin that is warm to the touch. However, as many as half of all DVT episodes produce minimal symptoms or are completely “silent”.

Risk Factors:

Some risk factors or triggering events to discuss with your doctor include the following:

• Cancer
• Certain heart or respiratory diseases
• Prior DVT
• Advanced age
• Acute medical illness with restricted mobility
• Inherited or acquired predisposition to clotting
• Obesity
• Hospitalization
• Patients undergoing major surgery, such as joint replacements, who remain immobile in bed after an operation
• Pregnancy
• Restricted mobility caused by long-distance travel
• Use of birth control pills
• Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy
• Trauma

To learn more about DVT facts and to order press materials and kits click here.  There is also a risk assessment tool on this site!

Source:  Wellness News You Can Use, National Wellness Institute (April 2007)