Deep vein thrombosis, also known as DVT, can be defined as a state in which a thrombus or a blood clot forms in one or more of the interior veins in the body, generally in the legs. According to MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, DVT can result from long hours of sitting; say, for instance, in a car or an airplane, or through prolonged bed rest or pregnancy. This is a serious problem, as the clot can break loose and go to your lungs. Generally there are no symptoms felt. However, persons with DVT can experience leg pain, swelling and redness of the affected leg or arm.
Pulmonary Embolism
According to MayoClinic.com, pulmonary embolism is a life threatening condition, which results when a thrombus travels to the lungs and blocks an artery. The person will experience chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing of blood, dizziness or fainting. According to the American Venous Forum, a pulmonary embolism affects 10 percent of people with an acute DVT.
Post-Phlebitic Syndrome
According to MayoClinic.com, post-phlebitic syndrome, also known as post-thrombotic syndrome, can result as a complication of deep vein thrombosis, which is caused by the damage to the veins from blood clot. The symptoms of post-phlebitic syndrome possibly will not be experienced until a few years after the deep vein thrombosis. When symptoms appear, there will be pain and swelling to the affected part of the body, and changes to the skin color. The American Venous Forum reports that post-phlebitic syndrome is the most common complication of patients with DVT.
Limb Ischemia
According to Bupa United Kingdom, a rare complication that can occur is limb ischemia. This results in blockage of blood flow to the legs. The blood clot causes increased pressure to develop in the vein. This blocks the flow of blood through the vessels, and results in decreased oxygen supply to the affected leg. Severe pain, skin ulcers, leg infections, and gangrene can develop as a result.
