Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot develops in the deep veins, usually in the lower extremities. A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a part of the DVT clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, which can be life-threatening. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) refers to DVT, PE, or both.

Symptoms

Typical signs or symptoms of DVT in the extremities include pain or tenderness, swelling, warmth in the affected area, and redness or discoloration of the overlying skin. The most common signs or symptoms of acute PE include unexplained shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, cough or hemoptysis, and syncope.

Complications

Complications of DVT. The most serious complication of DVT happens when a part of the clot breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a blockage called pulmonary embolism (PE). If the clot is small, and with appropriate treatment, people can recover from PE.

Causes

A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot gets stuck in an artery in the lung, blocking blood flow to part of the lung. Blood clots most often start in the legs and travel up through the right side of the heart and into the lungs. This is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Risk factors

Lack of movement.
Injury or surgery.
Pregnancy.
Being overweight or obese.
Smoking.
Cancer.
Age. Being older than 60 increases the risk of DVT.
Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement therapy.

Prevention

Get up and walk around every 1 to 2 hours.
Exercise your legs while you're sitting by: Raising and lowering your heels while keeping your toes on the floor. Raising and lowering your toes while keeping your heels on the floor. Tightening and releasing your leg muscles.
Wear loose-fitting clothes.

How is it diagnosed?

Anticoagulant medications commonly are used to treat DVT or PE; anticoagulants also are used for VTE prophylaxis. Bleeding can be a complication of anticoagulant therapy. The most frequently used injectable anticoagulants are unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), and fondaparinux.

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Treatment for acute myeloid leukemia is vital. It varies with the patient and stage of the disease. Treatment options include

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Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism