Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)

The blood clot within the deep vein is not dangerous in itself.  However, it becomes life-threatening when a piece of the clot breaks off and travels through the venous system, back to the heart and into the pulmonary system.  It is at this point it can become lodged in the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.  This pulmonary embolism will cut off blood supply to specific portions of the lungs and can result in death.

DVT Treatment

Treatment for deep vein thrombosis can take several different paths.  For the most part, physicians will recommend the use of medications, including use of anticoagulant, to decrease the possibility that more clots will form or the original clot will become larger.  These medications decrease the ability of the blood to clot and can cause other issues to bleed if the individual is injured in any way.  Initial treatment will be done using heparin injections or intravenous infusion in the hospital and then the patient will take a pill after being discharged for several months. (3,4)