What causes deep vein thrombosis and who is at risk?
DVT can be caused by a narrowed or blocked vein, which allows the blood to clot. This can be brought on by an injury to the vein, such as a sharp blow to the leg, or following surgery or radiation therapy. DVT can also be caused by poor circulation from inactivity or prolonged bed rest due to conditions such as heart disease. In addition, they can happen during pregnancy as an increased tendency for the blood to form clots occurs naturally so as to prevent excessive bleeding during child-birth. DVT can also come about as the result of severe infection, liver disease and some cancers. DVT is more common in the elderly, but healthy young people can develop it as well. Some people are not born with vital ‘blood thinning’ substances and are therefore always more susceptible to blood clots. Some medicines, such as the contraceptive pill, can marginally increase the risk of developing DVT. What are the common symptoms and complications of deep vein thrombosis? The symptoms of deep vein throm
