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What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot that forms deep within your body. DVT is a serious conditionthat can occur when you are not moving around a lot, for example, when you are in the hospital. To understandhow a blood clot can form and affect you, let’s take a look at the blood vessels deep within your body.When you are healthy, blood flows through your blood vessels delivering oxygen and nutrients to all parts ofyour body.But during periods of inactivity, or with reduced blood circulation, blood flow can slow down and blood cancollect in the veins deep within your body, thicken, and clump together to form a clot.This clot can then block the normal blood flow in your vessels, especially in the lower legs, thighs and hips. Itusually happens in one leg at a time, not both, and causes pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness, inthat leg.Sometimes, a clot may break away and travel through your blood vessels.Called an ‘embolus’, this moving clot can travel to the heart or lungs and cause severe complications includingpulmonary embolism which can lead to difficulty breathing or even death.Deep Vein Thrombosis can occur in anyone. As you recover from surgery or illness in the hospital, you maynot be active. When you are inactive, your blood does not circulate as well as it needs to and may more easilyform a blood clot.The medications used to put you to sleep during surgery can also increase your risk of blood clots. Or you mayhave poor circulation from other health problems which can reduce your blood flow and cause a clot to form.Whatever the reason, when you are in the hospital you may be at a greater risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis andthe complications can be serious.Luckily, many of the things you can do to help your recovery can also help you prevent DVT and the seriouscomplications that can come with it. Work with your healthcare provider to create a plan to reduce your risk ofDVT.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG10131B EN WhatIsDeepVeinThrombosis.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
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