Summary
Highlights
Blood clots are naturally formed by the body to stop bleeding and heal wounds. While usually resolved once an injury heals, clots in deep veins can be serious. A medical term for a blood clot is a thrombus. When a thrombus breaks off and travels, it's called an embolus. VTE stands for venous thromboembolism, encompassing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
A DVT is a clot that forms in a deep vein, commonly in the legs, hips, or pelvis, but can also occur in the arms, neck, or chest. These clots clog veins, slowing blood flow and causing symptoms like pain, swelling, discolored skin, and warmth in the affected area. Some individuals with DVT may not experience any symptoms.
A PE occurs when a blood clot breaks off from a deep vein and travels to the lungs. This is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. Warning signs include trouble breathing, chest pain (especially when taking a deep breath), a fast heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or coughing up blood. A large PE can be deadly, but recovery is possible with proper care.
Anyone can develop dangerous blood clots, but certain factors increase the risk. These include prolonged immobility (e.g., long trips, bed rest), hospitalization, or surgery. Other risk factors include smoking, being overweight, injury, a family history of blood clots, cancer, taking birth control pills, pregnancy, and older age. Having more risk factors increases the likelihood of developing VTE.
If a dangerous blood clot is suspected, it's crucial to see a doctor immediately. Diagnostic tests include an ultrasound to visualize clots in veins and a D-dimer blood test, which detects a chemical substance left by dissolving clots. Further tests like a CT scan of the lungs with IV contrast or a ventilation-perfusion (VQ) lung scan may be used to locate clots in the lungs. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital as VTE can cause lifelong health problems and be life-threatening.