Focus Group Fact Sheet

What is DVt?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when an abnormal blood clot forms in a
large vein. These clots usually develop in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but
can also occur in other large veins in the body.
If you develop DVT and it is diagnosed correctly and quickly, it can be treated.
However, many people do not know if they are at risk, don’t know the symptoms,
and delay seeing a healthcare professional if they do have symptoms.
CAn DVt hAppen to me?
Anyone may be at risk for DVT but the more risk factors you have, the
greater your chances are of developing DVT.
Knowing your risk factors can help you prevent DVt:
n Hospitalization for a medical illness
n Recent major surgery or injury
n Personal history of a clotting disorder or previous DVT
n Increasing age

this is serious

n Cancer and cancer treatments
n Pregnancy and the first 6 weeks after delivery
n Hormone replacement therapy or birth control products
n Family history of DVT
n Extended bed rest
n Obesity
n Smoking
n Prolonged sitting when traveling (longer than 6 to 8 hours)

DVt symptoms AnD signs:
the following are the most common and usually occur in the
affected limb:
n Recent swelling of the limb
n Unexplained pain or tenderness
n Skin that may be warm to the touch
n Redness of the skin

Since the symptoms of DVT can be similar to other conditions, like a
pulled muscle, this often leads to a delay in diagnosis. Some people
with DVT may have no symptoms at all.

DVt AnD pulmonAry
embolism(pe):
DVT can cause a life-threatening complication
called pulmonary embolism (PE). Part or all
of a clot can break off and travel through the
bloodstream and into the lungs. A blood
clot in the lungs can be life-threatening and
can cause death.
symptoms of possible pe can include:
n Recent or sudden shortness of breath
n Chest pain or discomfort, which
worsens with a deep breath or coughing
n Coughing up blood
n Sudden collapse
If you have any of these symptoms, it is an
emergency and you should seek medical
help immediately.

W h At C A n b e D o n e t o
preVent DVt AnD pe:
Most DVT and PE can be prevented.
in general:
n Exercise regularly
n Maintain a healthy weight
n Don’t smoke
n When sitting for long periods of
time, or when traveling for more
than six hours:
• Exercise your legs frequently while
you’re sitting
• Get up and walk around every
2 to 3 hours
• Wear loose-fitting clothes
• Drink plenty of water, and limit
alcohol and caffeine
before and during hospitalization:
n Before any surgery, talk to your healthcare provider about prevention of
blood clots
n Tell your healthcare provider if you have
any risk factors for DVT
n Ask questions
n If you have been confined to bed, move
around as soon as possible
n After surgery or hospitalization for
a medical illness, a small dose of anticoagulant medication is often given to
prevent DVT and PE

The CDC does not endorse private
products or servcies.

DiAgnosing DVt AnD pe:
DVt is generally diagnosed using:
n Venous Doppler ultrasound—using
sound waves to check the flow of blood
in the veins
pe is generally diagnosed using:
n Computerized tomography (CT scan) of
the lung, a special type of X-ray that can
provide pictures of structures inside
the body
n Ventilation-perfusion lung scan, a

special test that shows how much
blood is getting into the lungs

W h At i s t h e t r e At m e n t
for DVt AnD pe:
DVt treatment:
n Anticoagulants are also used to treat PE.
In cases of severe PE, medicines
(thrombolytics) may be given to dissolve
the clot, followed by anticoagulants to
prevent more clots from forming.
n Compression stockings, also called

elastic stockings, are sometimes
recommended to relieve pain and
swelling after DVT.
pe treatment:
n Anticoagulants are also used to treat
PE. In cases of severe PE, medicines
(thrombolytics) may be given to dissolve
the clot , followed by anticoagulants to
prevent more clots from forming.
To take a free risk assessment, or for more
information on DVT and PE, including risk
factors, symptoms, signs, prevention,
and treatment, visit
www.thisisserious.org or call
888.VDF.4INFO (888.833.4463).

This is Serious is powered by the Vascular Disease Foundation® (VDF) and its Venous Disease
Coalition in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hospitals
and other organizations are working with VDF in a multi-media campaign aimed at educating
women about DVT/PE and motivating them to take action if they believe they may be at risk. VDF
is the only multidisciplinary national non-profit organization focused on providing public
education to improve health for all by reducing death and disability from vascular disease.