Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) happens when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. Some clots cause clear symptoms, others hide. Knowing the usual signs and the emergency warnings can save your life.
Look for new swelling in one leg. If one calf or thigh suddenly looks bigger than the other, that’s a red flag. Pain or tenderness that feels like a cramp or soreness — especially when you stand or walk — is common. The affected area may feel warm compared with the other leg and the skin can turn red or have a bluish tint.
Not every DVT is dramatic. Some people only notice mild tightness or a dull ache. If you’ve had recent surgery, a long flight, or weeks of sitting, pay closer attention to small changes in how your legs feel.
If you have sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain that gets worse when you breathe, a fast heartbeat, fainting, or coughing up blood — call emergency services right away. Those are classic signs a DVT may have traveled to the lungs and become a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be life-threatening.
Also see a doctor quickly if you notice rapid swelling, severe pain, high fever, or skin that looks unusually pale or blue. Don’t try to massage the area or ignore worsening symptoms.
What causes DVT? Long immobility (cars, planes, bed rest), recent surgery or major injury, cancer, pregnancy, hormone therapy or birth control pills, obesity, smoking, and some inherited clotting disorders all raise risk. Age and previous DVTs matter too.
How do doctors check for DVT? A clinician will do a physical exam and ask about risk factors. Tests include an ultrasound of the leg veins and a D-dimer blood test that looks for clot breakdown products. If a pulmonary embolism is suspected, imaging like a CT pulmonary angiogram may be used.
Treatment usually starts with blood thinners (anticoagulants) to stop the clot growing and prevent new ones. In some cases, doctors use clot-busting drugs or place a filter in a large vein to protect the lungs. Follow-up care often includes compression stockings and plans to reduce future risk.
Simple steps lower your risk: move often during long trips, stand and walk after surgery as your team advises, keep hydrated, stop smoking, and talk to your doctor about risks before starting hormone therapy. If you have a personal or family history of clots, your doctor may recommend extra precautions.
Not sure if a symptom needs checking? When in doubt, get medical advice. Quick evaluation is better than waiting, and early treatment makes DVT much easier to manage.
