A deep venous thrombosis, more commonly known as a DVT, occurs when a blood clot or thrombus forms within the deep veins of your body. Some symptoms to be on the look out for include:
- Swelling in one or both legs
- Pain or tenderness in one or both legs, even if it's just when you stand or walk
- Warm skin on your leg
- Red or discolored skin on your leg
The U.S. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute mentions these potential risk factors:
- Having had a previous DVT
- Taking medication that thickens the blood or promotes clotting.
- Recent surgery, a broken bone, or other injury that affects a deep vein.
- Having reduced blood flow to a deep vein as a result of inactivity. Typical causes are post-surgical recovery, or taking a long trip that limits your ability to move around.
- Being pregnant.
- Being treated for cancer.
- Having a central venous catheter.
- Being over the age of 60, being a smoker or being obese.
Call 911 or go to an emergency room right away if you notice: (these could be signs that the blood clot has traveled to your lungs resulting in a pulmonary embolism)
- Sudden coughing, which may bring up blood
- Sharp chest pain
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Severe lightheadedness