Deep Vein Thrombosis and Blood Clots

A blood clot sounds abstract until you think it might be in your own leg. Cleveland Clinic defines deep vein thrombosis as a blood clot in a vein located deep within your body, usually in your leg. It adds that a DVT usually forms in the veins of your legs or arms. For a broader public overview of clots in the veins, the overview of venous thromboembolism from a government health institute is a plain place to read.

Questions this topic answers

This topic is about treatment and what comes after, not about home fixes. Each page below takes one practical question.

• Blood Thinners Used for DVT: what are these medicines, and what should you ask about them?
• Compression Stockings After a Deep Vein Clot: what do the stockings do, and how long might they be needed?

When to stop reading and call

Nothing on this page is a home remedy, and that is deliberate. Any step for a possible clot belongs with a clinician, so the first move is a phone call and not a search. Cleveland Clinic says it is important to call your provider right away or go to the emergency room if you have deep vein thrombosis or PE symptoms. Its list of PE symptoms is chest pain, shortness of breath, cough with blood, lightheadedness and fainting.

For what can follow a clot, Cleveland Clinic’s page on post-thrombotic syndrome covers symptoms and treatment. Read it after you have been seen, not instead of being seen.