Blood Clot in the Legs (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Deep Vein Thrombosis Overview
- Deep Vein Thrombosis Causes
- Deep Vein Thrombosis Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Viewer Comments: Deep Vein Thrombosis - Symptoms Experienced
Deep Vein Thrombosis Causes
Three factors may lead to formation of a clot inside a blood vessel.
- Damage to the inside of a blood vessel due to trauma or other conditions
- Changes in normal blood flow, including unusual turbulence, or partial or complete blockage of blood flow
- Hypercoagulability, a rare state in which the blood is more likely than usual to clot
Any component that contributes to one or more of these three criteria can cause deep vein thrombosis. The more common risk factors are as follows:
- Prolonged sitting, such as during a long plane or car ride
- Prolonged bed rest or immobility, such as after injury or during illness (stroke)
- Recent surgery, particularly orthopedic, gynecologic, or heart surgery
- Recent trauma to the lower body, such as fractures of the bones of the hip, thigh, or lower leg
- Obesity
- Heart attack or
heart failure
- Recent childbirth
- Being at very high altitude, greater than 14,000 feet
- Use of estrogen replacement (hormone therapy, or HT) or
birth control pills
- Cancer
- Rare inherited genetic changes in certain blood clotting factors
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a medical condition in which blood clotting occurs inappropriately, usually caused by overwhelming infection or organ failure
- Certain heart or respiratory conditions
- Advanced age
If an individual has one deep vein thrombosis, they are more likely to have a second deep vein thrombosis.
Next: Deep Vein Thrombosis Symptoms »
Viewer Comments & Reviews
Deep Vein Thrombosis - Symptoms Experienced
The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:
For deep vein thrombosis, what were the symptoms and signs you experienced?
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Deep Venous Thrombosis »
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) most commonly involves the deep veins of the leg or arm, often resulting in potentially life-threatening emboli to the lungs or debilitating venous alular dysfunction and chronic leg swelling.
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