Venous Thromboembolism

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

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What is a venous thromboembolism (VTE)?

A VTE is a blood clot (thrombus) that has formed in a vein. A VTE can form anywhere in your body and block blood flow. A VTE in the deep veins in the calfs, thighs, pelvis, or arms is called a deep venous thrombosis (DVT). A piece of the clot may break loose. This is called an embolus. The embolus can travel to your lungs and cause a life-threatening clot called a pulmonary embolism (PE). It is important to go to follow-up appointments and to take blood thinners as directed. Blood thinners help prevent a PE and another VTE.

What increases my risk for a VTE?

• Recent surgery
• Sitting or lying in one position for a long time
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• History of a VTE or a clotting disorder
• Medical conditions, such as obesity or cancer
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Birth control pills, especially if you smoke or are older than 35 years
• Smoking

What are the signs and symptoms of a VTE?

Your symptoms will depend on the location of the clot. You may have any of the following:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth, pain, or tenderness

How is a VTE diagnosed?

• A D-dimer blood test may be done to check for signs of a blood clot.
• An ultrasound uses sound waves to show pictures on a monitor. An ultrasound may be done to show a clot in your vein.
• Contrast venography is an x-ray of a vein. Contrast liquid is used to make the vein easier to see on the x-ray. Tell a healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.

How is a VTE treated?

• Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
  • Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
  • Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
  • Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
  • Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip does or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
• Clot busters are emergency medicines that work to dissolve blood clots.
• A vena cava filter may be placed inside your vena cava to treat your VTE. The vena cava is a large vein that brings blood from your lower body up to your heart. The filter may help trap blood clots and prevent them from going into your lungs.
• Surgery called a thrombectomy may be done to remove the clot. A procedure called thrombolysis may instead be done to inject a clot buster that helps break the clot apart.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Eliquis
• Fragmin
• Pradaxa
• Dextran 40
• apixaban

View more treatment options

How can I manage a VTE?

• Wear pressure stockings as directed. The stockings are tight and put pressure on your legs. This improves blood flow and helps prevent clots. Wear the stockings during the day. Do not wear them when you sleep.
• Elevate your legs above the level of your heart. Elevate your legs when you sit or lie down, as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your legs on pillows or blankets to keep them elevated comfortably.

What can I do to prevent a VTE?

• Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your healthcare provider what a healthy weight is for you. Ask him or her to help you create a weight loss plan if needed.
• Change your body position or move around often. Move and stretch in your seat several times each hour if you travel by car or work at a desk. In an airplane, get up and walk every hour. Move your legs by tightening and releasing your leg muscles while sitting. You can move your legs while sitting by raising and lowering your heels. Keep your toes on the floor while you do this. You can also raise and lower your toes while keeping your heels on the floor.
• Exercise regularly to help increase your blood flow. Walking is a good low-impact exercise. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for you.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can damage blood vessels and make it more difficult to manage your VTE. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
• Ask about birth control if you are a woman who takes the pill. A birth control pill increases the risk for PE in certain women. The risk is higher if you are also older than 35, smoke cigarettes, or have a blood clotting disorder. Talk to your healthcare provider about other ways to prevent pregnancy, such as a cervical cap or intrauterine device (IUD).

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
• You cough up blood.

When should I seek immediate care?

• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.

When should I call my doctor?

• You have questions or concerns about your conditions or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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