What Is DVT?
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, most often in the leg. The main danger is that the clot can break off and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE) — a potentially life-threatening emergency.
Symptoms of DVT
- Leg pain, often starting in the calf (like a cramp)
- Swelling of the leg, ankle or foot — usually one-sided
- Warmth, redness or discolouration of the skin over the clot
- Swollen veins visible near the surface
- Some DVTs cause no symptoms at all
Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms — Call 999/911:Sudden shortness of breath | Chest pain that worsens on breathing | Coughing up blood | Fast heart rate | Feeling faint — these suggest the clot has reached the lungs.
Diagnosis
| Test | Role |
|---|---|
| D-dimer blood test | A negative D-dimer in low-risk patients rules out DVT without needing ultrasound |
| Doppler ultrasound | Gold standard — directly visualises the clot in the vein |
| Full Blood Count | Thrombocytosis; check for clues to underlying cause |
| Thrombophilia screen | If unprovoked DVT — tests for inherited clotting disorders |
Treatment
- Anticoagulation — DOACs (rivaroxaban, apixaban) or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH)
- Duration: typically 3 months for provoked DVT; longer for unprovoked or recurrent DVT
- Compression stockings for post-thrombotic syndrome prevention
- Rarely: thrombolysis or surgical clot removal for massive iliofemoral DVT
DVT Risk Factors
- Recent surgery or prolonged bed rest
- Long-haul flights
- Cancer
- Pregnancy
- Oral contraceptives or HRT
- Obesity
- Inherited thrombophilia (e.g. Factor V Leiden)
FAQs
Can I fly with a DVT?
Not until adequately anticoagulated. Check with your doctor before any long-haul travel.
How long does DVT treatment last?
Minimum 3 months. Unprovoked DVT, cancer-related, or recurrent DVT may need indefinite anticoagulation.
Will the clot go away completely?
Many clots resolve over time but some leave residual scar tissue — compression stockings reduce long-term complications.
Medical Disclaimer: Suspected DVT requires urgent medical assessment. Do not fly, delay treatment or self-medicate with aspirin alone.