Venous Thromboembolism and Its Relationship Between Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

Venous Thromboembolism is a combination of two medical conditions: Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism (What Is Venous Thromboembolism?).

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) happens when a blood clots in a deep vein, usually in the legs. When DVT occurs it is usually brought on by being immobile because of travel, bed rest (due to surgery), hormone therapy, or pregnancy. Also having a medical condition that affects how the blood clots can cause DVT.

DVT can be serious when a blood clot in the veins breaks off and travels through the bloodstream and gets stuck in the lungs. This blocks blood flow and is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). When DVT and PE happens together this is called a venous thromboembolism (VTE). VTE is most common in adults age 60 and older, but can occur at any age. VTE is rarely occurs in children.

VTE Risk Factors Include the Following:

• Cancer: Any and all cancers increase the risk of VTE. This is the case if the cancer has spread widely. Especially if the cancer is in the lungs, brain, lymphoma, gynecologic system, or gastrointestinal tract. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery further increase the risks.
• Fracture of the pelvis, hip or long bones. 
• Lower-extremity paralysis from a spinal cord injury.
• Major orthopedic surgery.
• Major general surgery.
• Multiple trauma.

In addition to the above factors there are additional factors that may cause VTE:

• Previous episodes of VTE.
• Age: being over 40 increases that risk. With every subsequent decade after 40 the risk doubles.
• Obesity doubles the risk factor of VTE. The higher the weight, the higher the risk of VTE.
• Immobility such as during long travel or bed rest.
• Family history of VTE (parent, sibling, child).
• Physical inactivity.
• Genetic blood conditions that affect clotting.

It is important to note that one of the factors alone is not enough to take preventive measures for VTE. But the combination of two or more factors is enough to justify preventive treatment for VTE.

Special consideration should be given to women who are pregnant or have had a baby. They are at greater risk of developing blood clots especially if the following factors are present:

• Prior VTE.
• Family history of VTE (parent, sibling, child).
• Obesity
• Immobilization (bed rest, long travel).
• Twin gestation.
• Older maternal age.
• Other medical conditions during pregnancy such as cancer, serious infection, or toxemia/pre-eclampsia.

If you experience any of the following symptoms for either DVT or PE you may have VTE and should seek medical help immediately .

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Symptoms:

• Swelling.
• Pain or tenderness.
• Increased warmth, cramps, or aching in the area that is swollen or painful, usually the calf or thigh.
• Red or discolored skin.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath.
• Pain with deep breathing.
• Rapid breathing.
• Increased heart rate.

There are less common symptoms for Pulmonary Embolism (PE) such as coughing (with or without blood), feelings of anxiety or dread, light-headless, fainting, and/or sweating.

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