GREENBELT, Md. — In recognition of March as Blood Clot Awareness Month, Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) is encouraging the public to learn the warning signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially dangerous blood clot that most often forms in the legs and can lead to a pulmonary embolism (PE) if it travels to the lungs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as many as 900,000 people in the United States could be affected each year by venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes DVT and PE.
“Too many people brush off symptoms as a pulled muscle or simple swelling,” said Mohamed T. Hassan, MD, DABVLM, RPVI, lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein clinics in Hoover and Trussville, Alabama. “Knowing the signs and understanding your risk for blood clots can speed up evaluation and treatment.”
Know the signs
DVT symptoms can include:
- Swelling in one leg (or arm)
- Pain or tenderness
- Warmth
- Redness or discoloration
Left untreated, DVT can lead to pulmonary embolism.
PE symptoms can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain that may worsen with a deep breath or coughing
- Coughing up blood
- Lightheadedness or fainting
“These are life-threatening conditions, so seek immediate emergency medical care for symptoms of DVT or PE,” said Dr. Hassan.
Who is at higher risk?
The CDC notes that blood clot risk increases with factors such as recent hospitalization or surgery, injury, pregnancy, estrogen-containing birth control or hormone therapy, cancer and certain cancer treatments, obesity, older age or a history of prior blood clots.
There are ways to minimize blood clot risk factors, including lifestyle changes and medications. Dr. Hassan advises patients to discuss their risk factors with their primary care provider or a vein specialist to develop a proactive care plan.