| Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein, usually in the legs, for example, the femoral vein or the popliteal vein. This is a serious medical condition and requires immediate treatment. Fatal complications could develop from DVT if a loose blood clot (embolus) detaches from the thrombus, travels into the circulation, and becomes trapped in the lung to cause pulmonary embolism (PE). A variety of factors can contribute to the development of DVT. Immobilization (e.g. paralysis, long plane flight), age, obesity, and the use of oral birth control are some of the risk factors for DVT. Hip-replacement and knee-replacement surgeries may also lead to DVT. Symptoms of DVT include increasing pain in the affected leg, swelling that does not decrease with leg elevation, enlargement of the veins near the skin surface, reddish skin color, and skin that is warm to the touch. Ultrasound test and venogram (a type of X-ray test for veins) are effective diagnostic tests to identify DVT. DVT can be treated with anticoagulants such as heparin (unfractionated heparin, or low molecular weight heparin) and warfarin (Coumadin). |
Deep Vein Thrombosis
 | |  | |  |
Cardiovascularweb
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |