What is deep vein thrombosis?

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Multiple Choice

What is deep vein thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs. This clot can block or slow the return of blood to the heart, leading to swelling, warmth, and sometimes pain in the affected limb. A major concern is that part of the clot can break loose and travel through the veins to the lungs, where it can obstruct a pulmonary artery—a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening. Other options describe different problems: a blockage in the pulmonary artery is a pulmonary embolism, a narrowing of the aorta is an aortic narrowing, and an infection of the vein wall is phlebitis. DVT specifically refers to a clot within a deep vein causing impaired venous return. Risk factors include prolonged immobilization, surgery, cancer, pregnancy, and inherited clotting disorders.

Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs. This clot can block or slow the return of blood to the heart, leading to swelling, warmth, and sometimes pain in the affected limb. A major concern is that part of the clot can break loose and travel through the veins to the lungs, where it can obstruct a pulmonary artery—a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening. Other options describe different problems: a blockage in the pulmonary artery is a pulmonary embolism, a narrowing of the aorta is an aortic narrowing, and an infection of the vein wall is phlebitis. DVT specifically refers to a clot within a deep vein causing impaired venous return. Risk factors include prolonged immobilization, surgery, cancer, pregnancy, and inherited clotting disorders.

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