DVT symptoms

DVT may not cause noticeable symptoms. If you experience symptoms, they affect the area near the leg vein, arm or other area with the blood clot. Symptoms of DVT include:

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Severe headache

Deep vein thrombosis risk factors

DVT affects people of all ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic status. You may be at higher risk due to:

  • Age: Most cases occur in adults after age 60.
  • Limited movement: This often occurs with injury, paralysis, prolonged bed rest or air travel.
  • Certain medical conditions: Heart disease, lung disease, cancer, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), and lupus are among the medical conditions that increase your risk of blood clots.
  • Family history: You may inherit a predisposition for blood clots and DVT.
  • Injury or surgery: Fractures or surgeries involving the hip, knee or pelvis can cause blood clots.
  • Smoking: Tobacco smoke causes blood cells to become sticky and form clots. It also damages blood vessels and increases the formation of blood clots.

Detecting and diagnosing DVT

Diagnosing DVT starts with a discussion of your medical history and a physical exam. Your provider will ask about pain, swelling and other symptoms you’ve experienced, and they may order one or more of the following diagnostic tests: