How Is Deep Vein Thrombosis Connected to Pulmonary Embolism?
This is the most serious, and sometimes fatal, consequence of deep vein thrombosis. A pulmonary embolism occurs when part or all of DVT clot breaks away and travels to the lungs. What are the Risk Factors for DVT? Although anyone can develop deep vein thrombosis, some people are at higher risk than others. These include people who: • Have recently had surgery • Are immobile due to travel or a physical illness • Smoke • Are obese • Are pregnant • Use birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy • Are over 60 years old • Have a family history of clotting disorders • Have chronic inflammatory diseases Deep Vein Thrombosis: How Common is It? Deep vein thrombosis is not rare. In the United States, it’s estimated that 200,000 to 400,000 people have deep vein thrombosis. Of these, almost one-third will develop a problem called post-thrombotic syndrome, which causes swelling, pain, discoloration, and scaling on the leg (or arm) that had the clot. Between 100,000 and 200,000 of these peop
