Health Tip: Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis

A clot that develops inside a vein

Posted 8/3/07

(HealthDay News) -- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot develops in one of the deep veins. The problem most often occurs in the pelvis, thigh or calf, but may also develop in the chest, arm, or elsewhere.

DVT may trigger swelling or pain, and the clot could travel to the lungs, a potentially fatal condition known as a pulmonary embolism.

Here are some possible triggers of DVT, courtesy of the Society for Vascular Surgery:

Poor blood flow, often caused by being unable to move for long periods.
Major surgery on the chest, abdomen, hip, knee, leg, calf or thigh.
A long trip in a car, train or plane, in which you are seated for long stretches.
Inheriting certain blood clotting abnormalities.
Cancer.