Hematologist Mary Cushman, M.D., M.Sc., University Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at the Larner College of Medicine and medical director of the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Program at ̽̽ Medical Center, spoke with Woman’s World about deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
DVT is a condition that causes a clot in a vein, often in the legs. It can sometimes develop without warning, especially when you’re traveling or seated for long stretches at a time. Since this condition can be a medical emergency, it’s important to be aware of common DVT symptoms in your legs and alert your doctor if you notice swelling, unusual pain, tenderness, red or discolored skin, or warmth in the area.
DVT has the potential to be dangerous if a part of the main blood clot breaks free and travels north. “These pieces can travel through the bloodstream up to the lung,” Cushman says. “When this occurs, it’s called a pulmonary embolism (PE).” What makes a pulmonary embolism potentially life threatening is that if a piece of the clot is big enough, it can get lodged in the lungs, blocking a person’s ability to breathe. “Anyone experiencing dramatic symptoms should go to the emergency room,” she stresses. Symptoms of PE include shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; chest pain or discomfort that typically worsens with coughing or breathing; cough or coughing up blood; lightheadedness, very low blood pressure, or fainting; and/or an irregular or faster-than-normal heartbeat (i.e., more than 100 beats per minute when at rest).
Fortunately, early detection of deep vein thrombosis can prevent a pulmonary embolism, Cushman notes, adding that you also don’t have to have all the symptoms of PE; you can also have no symptoms at all.
While a pulmonary embolism (PE) can be life-threatening, it’s important to know survival rates are high, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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