Most DVTs resolve on their own. If a pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs, the prognosis can be more severe. About 25% of people who have a PE will die suddenly, and that will be the only symptom.
Lung Diseases
While a pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening, most patients survive DVT and need to learn how to live with the risk of recurrence. Your healthcare provider will probably prescribe anticoagulants, or blood thinners, which may be needed for as little as three months but can be lifelong treatment.
You can get deep-vein clots at any age, but it usually affects people who are older than 40. After 40, the risk for DVT and PE may double with each passing decade.
Blood clots can wreak havoc on your veins, leading to symptoms that can last for years. Pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in your lungs, isn't the only serious complication that can result from a blood clot deep in your veins.
Post-thrombotic syndrome is a condition that can happen to people who have had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the leg. It can cause chronic pain, swelling, and other symptoms in your leg. It may develop in the weeks or months following a DVT. Certain medical conditions increase your chance of getting a DVT.
Many DVTs will resolve with no complications. Post-thrombotic syndrome occurs in 43% of patients two years post-DVT (30% mild, 10% moderate, and severe 3%). The risk of recurrence of DVT is high (up to 25%). Death occurs in approximately 6% of DVT cases and 12% of pulmonary embolism cases within one month of diagnosis.
If DVT isn't treated, it can cause complications, including inflammation of the vein (phlebitis), leg ulcers and pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is the most serious complication of DVT. It happens when the clot leaves the leg vein and travels through the blood vessel system to the lungs.
Most patients with DVT or PE recover completely within several weeks to months without significant complications or long-term adverse effects. However, long-term problems can occur, with symptoms ranging from very mild to more severe.
Many people with DVT blood clots will recover completely. But up to 50% will develop post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), a condition that can cause chronic pain, swelling, and discomfort that can permanently affect your quality of life.
DON'T stand or sit in one spot for a long time. DON'T wear clothing that restricts blood flow in your legs. DON'T smoke. DON'T participate in contact sports when taking blood thinners because you're at risk of bleeding from trauma.
Most DVTs resolve on their own. If a pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs, the prognosis can be more severe. About 25% of people who have a PE will die suddenly, and that will be the only symptom.
Anyone can develop a deep-vein blood clot at some point in their life. About 2% to 5% of people do. And once you've had DVT, you're a lot more likely to get it again. About 3 in 10 people get a second clot within a decade of their first.
Although DVT is more common in adults older than 60, it can happen at any age, particularly if you have any health-related risk factors. You're at greater risk of developing a deep-vein blood clot if you're overweight or obese or if you have a family history of DVT, pulmonary embolisms, or clotting disorders.
In a Kaplan‐Meier analysis, patients who were treated with warfarin had a mean life expectancy of 52.0 months, whereas those who were not treated with warfarin had a corresponding life expectancy of 38.2 months (Δ = 13.8 months, p < 0.001) (fig 1).
Effective Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis
Taking steps to lower your blood pressure. Watching your weight. Limiting the amount of time you spend sitting. Exercising daily, mainly walking, swimming, or other activities that promote good blood circulation.
Pulmonary embolism (PE).
PE is a potentially life-threatening complication associated with DVT . It occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) in a leg or other body area breaks free and gets stuck in a blood vessel in a lung. Get immediate medical help if you have symptoms of PE .
The effects of a DVT can linger long after a clot develops, leading to serious complications that leave you unable to work. But under certain circumstances, you may qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) after a blood clot.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside a part of the body. It mainly affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh, but can occur in other deep veins, such as in the arms and pelvis.
It's not only obesity and lack of exercise that can cause reductions in blood circulation and damage to blood vessels. Individuals who experience constant stress can increase their risk for blood clots. At the Kimmel Institute in Boca Raton, FL, we provide varicose vein treatment to prevent DVT and disorders.
Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Surgery, particularly surgery of the hip or leg, or abdominal surgery. Trauma or bone fracture. A long period of bed rest or sitting for a long time (e.g., on an airplane or in a car) Cancer.
Weight gain after acute DVT is common, with a mean 7% increase over 6 months.
If you're taking a blood thinner, is it still possible to get a blood clot? Answer From Rekha Mankad, M.D. Yes.
DVT can be very serious because blood clots can travel to your lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening and needs treatment straight away.
Duration of treatment — Anticoagulation is recommended for a minimum of three months in a patient with DVT.