(BPT) – Many people may think that swelling, pain, tenderness or redness in the leg, thigh or pelvis are seemingly minor symptoms, but they could point to a potentially serious condition such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).1 It’s critical to not brush off these symptoms.
More About DVT
DVT is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg, thigh, or pelvis and can also occur in the arm. A DVT clot, or part of it can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism (PE).1,2 PE may cause difficulty breathing, chest pain or discomfort, rapid heartbeat, coughing up blood or low blood pressure – and can be deadly.1,3 Symptoms related to DVT/PE can be representative of many conditions. Only a healthcare provider can determine whether these symptoms indicate DVT or another condition.
‘It’s understandable why patients may feel compelled to avoid visiting hospitals and healthcare facilities right now. But it’s integral for them to know that not addressing symptoms may have serious consequences,’ said Jenice Baker, M.D., associate emergency medicine director in Camden, NJ. ‘For people with symptoms that may be associated with deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, talking to a doctor is imperative.’
Since around 50 percent of people who have DVT may not experience symptoms, it’s also important to know the risk factors of DVT, which can include: fractures, severe muscle injury, major surgery, immobility/limited movement, paralysis, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy for up to 3 months after giving birth, heart disease, lung disease, cancer and its treatment, inflammatory bowel disease, inherited clotting disorders, age (risk increases as age increases), obesity, family history of DVT/PE, and previous DVT/PE.1
According to CDC data from 2010, approximately 900,000 Americans can be affected by DVT/PE each year, so it is important for people to pay attention to symptoms that could be due to DVT/PE and talk to a healthcare provider to learn more.4
If Experiencing Symptoms, Talk to a Doctor
‘Seeking medical attention early – by phone, online or in person – may help reduce the chance of DVT/PE becoming more serious,’ said Dr. Baker. ‘If experiencing symptoms, there is no time to wait – contact your doctor.’
To find out more information about DVT or PE, visit NoTimeToWait.com/dvt-pe-explained.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What is Venous Thromboembolism? https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/facts.html. Accessed November 9, 2020.
- American Heart Association. What is Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)? https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/venous-thromboembolism/what-is-venous- thromboembolism-vte. Accessed November 9, 2020.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. Pulmonary Embolism. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pulmonary-embolism. Accessed November 9, 2020.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data and Statistics on Venous Thromboembolism. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/data.html. Accessed November 9, 2020.
