Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein deep below the surface of the skin, usually in the legs or thighs. Pain and swelling are the most common, early symptoms of DVT—but it is possible for a DVT to occur with no signs or symptoms at all. In some cases, signs and symptoms only arise once DVT has progressed and the clot has moved to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).

Frequent Symptoms 

Symptoms can often be confused with other health conditions, but there are some signs of DVT that are important to be aware of, especially if you have a risk factor, such as pregnancy, obesity, or you tend to sit for long periods of time:

  • Pain or tenderness in the leg (perhaps only while walking or standing)Swelling in the affected areaRedness or discoloration of the skin on the leg

Unfortunately, people who have DVT may not experience symptoms until the clot has progressed to PE.

Signs and symptoms of this life-threatening condition include:

  • Unexplained shortness of breathRapid breathing and fast heart rate (pulse)Chest painCoughing up bloodSweatingLightheadednessPain when taking a deep breathSudden onset coughFainting

Complications

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the biggest complications of DVT. Small clots reduce blood flow and can cause damage to lung tissue. If the clot is large and enters your lungs, it can completely stop blood flow and cause sudden death

The damage to a vein after a DVT is called post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Swelling, pain, and discoloration are common symptoms of PTS, but in severe cases, it can also cause ulcers and scaling of the skin.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between one-third and one-half of people who develop DVT will have long-term complications caused by the damage from the clot.

Sometimes, DVT and PE can become chronic. If you’ve been diagnosed with a DVT or diagnosed with a PE, you’ll most likely be prescribed blood thinners, also known as anti-coagulants. These medications help prevent future occurrences. But because these drugs prevent blood clots, they can cause a risk of bleeding.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

People with DVT report swelling, throbbing pain, redness, and tenderness in the affected area, but about half of the people with DVT don’t have any symptoms at all. Some people with DVT also notice enlargement of the veins in one leg or arm, or increased warmth in the area that’s swollen. You may also have pain when standing or walking. Many describe the pain as a cramp, like a “Charley horse.”

Treatment guidelines released by the American Society of Hematology in 2020 recommend that patients with chronic DVT or PE take blood thinners indefinitely rather than stopping anticoagulation after primary treatment. Your healthcare provider will evaluate the risks and benefits for you on a continuing basis.

You can try elevating your leg, but if the symptoms persist or get worse, see your healthcare provider for treatment.

If a DVT breaks loose and causes PE, it can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, feeling faint, excessive sweating, fever, pale/discolored skin, and irregular heartbeat. Emergency medical attention is necessary.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Doctor Discussion Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does a blood clot in the leg feel like?
  • A limb that has a blood clot will usually be larger than the limb other side and the skin around the clot may feel warmer than the rest of your body. You may also feel cramping (like a Charley horse) and tightness. These signs are similar to a pulled muscle, but a clot won’t improve with rest and ice, while a muscle injury should.
  • Can you die of deep vein thrombosis?
  • Yes, a DVT can lead to death. If the blood clot breaks free, it can move to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, which results in shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. A pulmonary embolism puts you at risk for serious complications, including death.
  • Can DVT go away on its own?
  • Yes, a DVT can resolve on its own. Often, people don’t even know they have deep vein thrombosis because they have no symptoms. The blood clot can break up and dissolve on its own within a few months. However, if you have symptoms, it’s important that you are evaluated by a healthcare provider and possibly treated to prevent complications and serious health problems.

A limb that has a blood clot will usually be larger than the limb other side and the skin around the clot may feel warmer than the rest of your body. You may also feel cramping (like a Charley horse) and tightness. These signs are similar to a pulled muscle, but a clot won’t improve with rest and ice, while a muscle injury should.

Yes, a DVT can lead to death. If the blood clot breaks free, it can move to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, which results in shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. A pulmonary embolism puts you at risk for serious complications, including death.

Yes, a DVT can resolve on its own. Often, people don’t even know they have deep vein thrombosis because they have no symptoms. The blood clot can break up and dissolve on its own within a few months. However, if you have symptoms, it’s important that you are evaluated by a healthcare provider and possibly treated to prevent complications and serious health problems.