A clot in a deep vein can cause leg pain and swelling and, if it breaks loose, may lead to pulmonary embolism.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Rapid swelling and pain in one leg
- Loss of consciousness
What is it?
Early diagnosis and appropriate anticoagulant therapy are important to prevent clot growth and embolism.
Symptoms
- Swelling in one leg
- Calf pain
- Redness and warmth of the skin
- Tenderness along the vein
- Sometimes an asymptomatic course
Causes & risk factors
- Prolonged immobility
- Postoperative period
- Long flight or journey
- Cancer
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal medications
Diagnosis
Diagnosis does not rely on a single test. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination findings and investigation results are assessed together.
- Venous Doppler ultrasound
- D-dimer in selected cases
- Blood tests
- CT pulmonary angiography if embolism is suspected
- Assessment of clotting risk
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient's overall condition, comorbidities and procedural risk.
- Anticoagulant therapy
- Compression in selected cases
- Mobility and prevention
- Thrombolysis or thrombectomy in selected severe cases
- Monitoring the risk of recurrence
How we help
At the center, the clot's location and age and the risk of embolism are assessed in patients with DVT. Treatment is individualized according to the cause and the risk of bleeding.
When a procedure may be needed
Catheter-directed treatment may be considered for extensive proximal thrombosis, limb-threatening swelling or other high-risk situations.
Patient checklist
- Do not delay seeking care for sudden swelling in one leg
- Do not stop an anticoagulant on your own
- Watch for signs of bleeding
- Move regularly during long journeys
FAQ
Can DVT be resolved with massage?
No. Massage may be dangerous. DVT requires medical treatment.
Can DVT recur after recovery?
Yes. The risk of recurrence may remain, depending on the cause.
Last updated: