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Serious severity
· Cardiology
Deep Vein Thrombosis
DVT · Blood clot in the leg vein
A clot forms in a deep leg vein, often after immobility or surgery. The danger: it can break off and lodge in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Rising after long flights & surgery
- Typical age
- Any age, risk rises after 40
- Outlook
- Treatable, recur risk
- System
- Heart
Reviewed by a practising cardiology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Long-haul travel or bed rest
- Recent surgery or fracture
- Cancer or chemotherapy
- Hormonal contraceptives
- Genetic clotting disorders
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Calf or thigh swelling
- Pain or tenderness, often unilateral
- Skin warmth and redness
- Sudden breathlessness — possible PE
- Coughing up blood
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Doppler ultrasound diagnosis
- Anticoagulants (DOACs, heparin) for 3–6 months
- Compression stockings
- Thrombolytics for large clots
- IVC filter if anticoagulants not tolerated
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Walk every 2 hours on long flights
- Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol in flight
- Use compression socks if at risk
- Mobilize early after surgery
- Stop smoking; lose weight
Do’s
- Hydrate and stretch on long trips
- Take anticoagulants on time
- Elevate the affected leg
- Wear graduated compression stockings
Don’ts
- Massage a swollen calf
- Take aspirin instead of prescribed anticoagulant
- Sit cross-legged for hours
- Smoke while on hormonal contraception
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all cardiology doctors Top 4 doctors for Deep Vein Thrombosis
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.