Venous Thromboembolism Deep Venous Thrombosis / Pulmonary Embolism Patient Education Handout associated with UMHS Clinical Care Guideline

This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical treatment. You should speak to your health-care provider or make an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about this information or your medical condition.

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What is venous thromboembolism?
Venous thromboembolism (sometimes called thrombophlebitis) is a term used to describe a blood clot in a vein, which often becomes painful, red, and swollen. When a blood clot forms in a vein it may partially or completely block the flow of blood in that vein. If this occurs in one of the deep veins in the body it is called a deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The most common sites for blood clots to form are the legs and pelvis, but it can also occur in the arms.

The major danger from a deep venous thrombosis is that the clot or part of it may break off and travel through the blood stream to the heart and lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE).

What are the causes of venous thromboembolism?
Conditions that cause slow or sluggish blood slow in the veins can lead to thrombophlebitis or blood clots forming in the veins:

• prolonged bed rest or inactivity
• prolonged car or plane rides
• recent major surgery - especially knee, hip, and abdominal operations
• recent major illness
• pregnancy
• obesity
• injury to an arm or a leg

In addition, some people have an increased tendency to form blood clots, including those with certain inherited blood disorders, cancer, and smokers. Women who use birth control pills ( especially if over age 35) are at higher risk for forming blood clots.

What are the symptoms of a deep venous thrombosis (DVT)?
A blood clot in an arm or a leg may cause:

• pain, or an aching heavy sensation in the limb, sudden swelling, tenderness, or discoloration of the limb
• slight fever
• no symptoms at all, especially if the blood clot is in the pelvis

What are the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism (PE)?
If a blood clot travels to the heart and lungs it may cause:

• sudden chest pain
• shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or rapid breathing
• coughing up blood
• loss of consciousness (fainting)

How is venous thromboembolism treated?
In general, if you are diagnosed with a DVT (or a PE), you will be started on blood thinners to prevent further clot formation, to promote dissolving of the clot, and to help prevent a pulmonary embolus from occurring. For a few days, a blood thinning medication will be given by vein or shot, followed by a pill called warfarin (Coumadin), which is used for longer term blood thinning. The length of time on warfarin will be determined by your doctor. You should have a copy of the warfarin patient education handout along with this one. Ask your doctor for it if you do not.

September 2004

Information maintained by the UMHS Clinical Care Guidelines Committee

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