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Deep-Vein
Thrombosis (DVT) is a common but serious medical
condition that occurs in approximately two million Americans
each year. DVT occurs when a thrombus (blood clot) forms in one
of the large veins, usually in the lower limbs, leading to
either partially or completely blocked circulation. The
condition may result in health complications, such as a
pulmonary embolism (PE) and even
death if not diagnosed and treated effectively.
The best way to reduce your
risk of DVT is to talk to your doctor about your risks,
especially if you have cancer or certain heart or respiratory
diseases. |
Risk
Factors: Who is at Risk?
Certain individuals may be at
risk for developing DVT, although DVT can occur in almost anyone.
Some risk factors or triggering events to discuss with your doctor
include but are not limited to:
- Cancer
- Certain heart or respiratory
diseases
- Prior DVT
- Advanced age
- Acute medical illness with
restricted mobility
- Inherited or acquired
predisposition to clotting
- Obesity
- Hospitalization
- Patients undergoing major
surgery, such as joint replacements, who remain immobile in
bed after an operation
- Pregnancy
- Restricted mobility caused by
long-distance travel
- Use of birth control pills
- Postmenopausal hormone
replacement therapy
- Trauma
Risk
Assessment Tool: Click
here to assess your risk for DVT
(download a 70 KB PDF)
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