Are you at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Greg Tait didn't know he had deep vein thrombosis (DVT), until it was too late. Quick care and emergency surgery saved his leg - and his life.
Are you at risk for DVT? Below are risk factors for DVT. Talk to your doctor if you think you may be at risk.
DVT risk factors:
- Personal or family history of DVT
- Over age 60, though can occur at any age
- Overweight
- Post-pregnancy or using birth control pills
- Immobility after surgery or during a long plane or car ride
- Undergoing cancer treatment
DVT symptoms:
While up to 35 to 40 percent of people have no symptoms on physical exam, there are symptoms that you can see:
- Swelling of the leg
- Pain or tenderness in the leg, which you may feel only when standing or walking
- Increased warmth in the area of the leg that's swollen or painful
- Red or purple discoloration of the leg