Outlook

Most DVTs resolve on their own.

• However, nearly 20% of untreated DVTs located above the calf embolize to the lung (pulmonary embolus), and 10%-20% of those are fatal.
  
  
• More than 90% of life-threatening pulmonary emboli arise from DVTs in the legs.

If the patient has had one deep vein thrombosis, they are more likely than the average person to have another deep vein thrombosis.

• A second deep vein thrombosis occurs within three months in 5%-8% of people who have had one deep vein thrombosis and within two years in 20%. Some estimates are that about 50% of deep vein thrombosis patients will suffer a recurrence.
  
  
• Closely follow the prevention instructions from the healthcare provider.

Anticoagulant therapy lowers the death rate from pulmonary embolism by a 5 to 10 fold factor.

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Deep Vein Thrombosis - Symptoms Experienced

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