DVT Overview
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower limbs. A
complication of DVT, pulmonary embolism, can occur when a fragment of a blood clot
breaks loose from the wall of the vein and migrates to the lungs, where it blocks
a pulmonary artery or one of its branches.
If you have restricted mobility (off your feet for an extended period of time) due
to cancer or certain heart or respiratory diseases, talk to your doctor or click here
for more details on DVT risk factors.
- Up to 2 million Americans are affected annually by DVT
- Of those who develop PE, up to 300,000 will die each year
- More people die in the United States from PE than breast cancer and AIDS combined
For more DVT facts,
click here.
