The most common symptoms of blood clots in the legs include tenderness, redness, pain, swelling, fever, rapid heartbeat, a sudden and unexplained cough, and joint pain and soreness.
Does DVT Pose Any Additional Health Risks or Complications?
A pulmonary embolism is the most common and serious complication that results from DVT. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot breaks free from its location in the wall of a vein and travels to the lung where there is a high risk that it will block an artery. Immediate medical intervention is necessary whenever a pulmonary embolism occurs. DVT can also have potentially devastating effects on pregnant women causing miscarriage or stillbirth if the clot travels to an artery in the placenta where it can reduce the supply of oxygen to the fetus.
How Is Deep Vein Thrombosis Diagnosed?
When your physician suspects that you may have a blood clot, s/he will perform a complete physical exam that includes a review of your medical history. An easy in-the-office indicator of DVT is a sharp pain in your leg when you flex your foot upward. Other tests, which can aid in your physician's diagnosis of DVT, include:- An
ultrasound of the leg.
- An x-ray of the veins in your leg after dye is injected into a vein in your foot to allow your physician to see your blood flow.
If you are in a high-risk group for developing DVT, your physician may order additional tests that measure your blood's clotting ability.
