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Blood Clot in the Legs (cont.)

When to Seek Medical Care

Call the healthcare provider immediately if a clot is suspected.

  • Although a deep vein thrombosis may resolve on its own, the life-threatening consequences of a clot reaching the lung, called pulmonary embolism, are severe enough to warrant seeking medical attention immediately.

  • The healthcare provider may tell the patient to go immediately to a hospital emergency department.

If the patient has leg pain or swelling with any risk factors, go to a hospital emergency department immediately.

Call 911 if you or someone you know with a current deep vein thrombosis, previous deep vein thrombosis, or risk factor begins having chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fainting, or any other symptom that concerns you.



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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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