What is DVT & PE?
DVT is a serious condition where blood clots develop in the deep veins of the legs. It must be distinguished from blood clots in superficial varicose veins in the legs, called phlebitis, which is much less serious. One in every hundred people who develop DVT dies. The cause of death is usually a blood clot, travelling from the legs to the lungs. This is called pulmonary embolus or PE. When PE is severe it causes the lungs to collapse and heart failure. DVT combined with PE or other blood clots is often referred to as Venous Thrombo-Embolism or VTE. Treatment of DVT and PE is with blood-thinning drugs or anticoagulants, including warfarin and heparin. Aspirin in low doses also acts as a blood thinning drug and is used to prevent clotting conditions in the arteries like coronary thrombosis. Q: What are the Risks for DVT & PE? A: The risk of DVT and PE is greater in people: over 40 years of age who have had blood clots already with a family history of blood clots suffering from or who hav
