Deep Vein Thrombosis

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot inside a deep vein, usually in one leg in the calf or thigh. A DVT is a blood clot that partially or completely blocks the flow of blood in the deep vein.

Who is at Risk for DVT?

There are certain risk factors that increase the chance of a DVT:

High Risk

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

Moderate Risk

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

Average Risk

Active
Younger than age 40
No history of blood clots in immediate family
No conditions or illnesses that heighten clotting risk

Practical Steps to Lower Your DVT Risk

Ask your doctor about need for “blood thinners” or compression stockings to prevent clots, whenever you are admitted to the hospital

Lose weight, if you are overweight
Stay active
Exercise regularly; walking is fine
Avoid long periods of staying still
Get up and move around at least every hour whenever you travel on a plane, train, or bus, particularly if the trip is longer than 4 hours
Do heel toe exercises or circle your feet if you cannot move around
Stop at least every two hours when you drive, and get out and move around
Drink a lot of water and wear loose fitted clothing when you travel
Talk to your doctor about your risk of clotting whenever you take hormones, whether for birth control or replacement therapy, or during and right after any pregnancy
Follow any self-care measures to keep heart failure, diabetes, or any other health issues as stable as possible

Return to our Learn More Page