Blood Clot Statistics, Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Fact Sheet

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of your body, usually in your legs. This typically causes swelling and pain at the site. Clots can break off from a DVT in the legs and travel to the lung, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be fatal.

Statistics

350,000—600,000 people in the United States develop blood clots every year. About 100,000 people in the U.S. die each year from blood clots, which means that about 1 of 3 may die.

Risk Factors

You are at increased risk for developing a blood clot if any of the following describes you now or recently (in last 3 months):

High Risk

Hospitalization
Major surgery, such as abdominal/pelvic surgery
Knee or hip replacement
Major trauma, such as an automobile accident or fall
Nursing home living
Leg paralysis

Moderate Risk

Older than age 65
Trips by plane over 4 hours (car, train, bus)
Active cancer/chemotherapy
Bone fracture or cast
Birth control pills, patch, ring
Hormone replacement therapy
Pregnancy or recently gave birth
Prior blood clot or family history of clot
Heart failure
Bed rest over 3 days
Obesity
Genetic/hereditary or acquired blood clotting disorder

Signs and Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT; Blood Clot in Leg)

Swelling, usually in one leg
Leg pain or tenderness
Reddish or bluish skin discoloration
Leg warm to touch

The symptoms of a blood clot may feel similar to a pulled muscle or a “Charlie horse,” but may also differ in that the leg may be swollen, slightly discolored, and warm. Contact your doctor if you have these symptoms, because you may need treatment right away.

Signs and Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism (PE; Blood Clot that Travels to Your Lungs)

Sudden shortness of breath
Chest pain-sharp, stabbing; may get worse with deep breath
Rapid heart rate
Unexplained cough, sometimes with bloody mucus

Go to an Emergency Department immediately to be diagnosed and treated

Reference: The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism, US Dept of Health and Human Services, 2008.

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