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“A serious complication of DVT is a pulmonary embolism which can occur when a fragment of a blood clot breaks loose from the wall of a vein and migrates to the lungs,” Says Dr. Sateesh Babu, Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Westchester Medical Center. “Once there it can block a pulmonary artery or one of its branches. If not treated effectively or if left undiagnosed this condition can be fatal.”
Certain individuals may be at increased risk for developing DVT however, DVT can occur in almost anyone. Some risk factors or triggering events include:
- Certain heart or respiratory diseases
- Prior history of DVT
- Advanced age
- Acute medical illness with restricted mobility
- 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
- Trauma
- Cancer
Signs and symptoms of DVT can 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. “In cases of Pulmonary Embolism, symptoms can vary greatly depending on how much of your lung is involved, the size of the clots as well as your overall health,” added Dr. Babu.
Although the precise number of people affected by DVT is unknown, recent data from the American Heart Association indicates that DVT may affect as many as 1,000,000 Americans each year and of those who develop Pulmonary Embolism, more than 100,000 may die in the U.S. alone—more than breast cancer and AIDS combined. 10 to 30 percent of patients will die within one month of their diagnosis.
Often referred to as a “silent killer,” DVT can occur with little or no warning. If you have questions about DVT speak with your doctor or visit Westchester Medical Center's website to find a physician.
