Deep vein thrombosis, or
deep venous thrombosis, (
DVT) is the formation of a
blood clot (thrombus) within a
deep vein, predominantly in the legs. Non-specific signs may include pain,
swelling, redness, warmness, and engorged
superficial veins.
Pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening
complication, is caused by the detachment (
embolization) of a clot that travels to the lungs. Together, DVT and pulmonary embolism constitute a single disease process known as
venous thromboembolism.
Post-thrombotic syndrome, another complication, significantly contributes to the health-care cost of DVT.
Prevention options for at-risk individuals include early and frequent walking, calf exercises, anticoagulants,
aspirin, graduated compression stockings, and
intermittent pneumatic compression.