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Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: A Patient Guide

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. If part of the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE) , which can be life-threatening. Prof. Dr. Selim İsbir explains the symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention of DVT and pulmonary embolism in this patient guide.

What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, most often in a leg. It can obstruct blood flow through the vein.

Symptoms

  • Swelling in one leg
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Redness or other colour changes and increased warmth of the skin

What Increases the Risk?

  • Prolonged immobility, including long journeys or recovery after surgery
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Conditions that make the blood more likely to clot

What Is Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a clot, often from a deep vein in the leg, travels to and blocks an artery in the lungs. It can be life-threatening.

Emergency: Call 112 in Turkey Sudden breathlessness, chest pain or fainting may indicate a pulmonary embolism: seek emergency care immediately. Call 112 in Turkey, or your local emergency number elsewhere. New swelling or pain in one leg also needs urgent medical assessment; do not wait for a routine appointment.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Palpitations or a fast heartbeat
  • Feeling faint or fainting
How a pulmonary embolism develops
Pulmonary embolism: a clot travelling from a leg vein to the lungs

Treatment

  • Anticoagulant medicines to prevent clot growth and further clots
  • Catheter-based or surgical treatment in selected cases

Reducing the Risk

  • Stay active within your medical team's recommendations
  • Move regularly during long journeys when it is safe to do so
  • Use preventive medicines only when prescribed by your doctor

Illustrative Patient Scenarios

Scenario 1: Deep Vein Thrombosis

In this illustrative example, Ayşe, aged 52, is recovering at home after a knee replacement. She develops swelling, pain and redness in her right leg. At hospital, an ultrasound confirms DVT and anticoagulant treatment is started.

⚠️ Key point: Reduced mobility after surgery increases the risk of blood clots.

Scenario 2: Pulmonary Embolism

In this illustrative example, Mehmet, aged 60, develops sudden breathlessness and chest pain after a long flight. Emergency assessment identifies a pulmonary embolism and treatment begins promptly.

⚠️ Key point: Sudden breathlessness needs emergency assessment.

Scenario 3: Unrecognised DVT Followed by PE

In this illustrative example, Fatma, aged 68, has intermittent leg swelling but does not seek advice. She later develops sudden breathlessness and is diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. Assessment identifies an earlier DVT as the likely source.

⚠️ Key point: Even apparently mild symptoms can need medical assessment.
About These Examples These scenarios illustrate possible presentations and are provided for awareness. They are not presented as verified accounts of identifiable patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is deep vein thrombosis?
DVT is a clot in a deep vein, usually in a leg, which can obstruct blood flow. Risk factors include reduced mobility after surgery, long journeys, smoking and obesity.
What is a pulmonary embolism?
PE occurs when a clot, often from a leg vein, blocks an artery in the lungs. Sudden breathlessness, chest pain, palpitations or fainting may occur. It can be life-threatening and needs urgent assessment and treatment.
What symptoms can DVT cause?
Typical symptoms include swelling, pain or tenderness in a leg, with warmth and redness or another colour change. Seek urgent medical advice if these develop. DVT can also occur without obvious symptoms.
How can the risk of DVT and PE be reduced?
Remain active as advised, move regularly during long journeys and take prescribed preventive medicines when indicated. Follow your medical team's instructions carefully during recovery from surgery. These measures reduce risk but do not eliminate it.

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Prof. Dr. Selim İsbir — Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital

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