About
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where blood clots develop usually in the deep veins of the legs. Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when these clots break away from the walls of the vein and travel to the pulmonary arteries supplying to the lungs through the heart.
In most cases, DVT originates in the calf of the leg. It starts as a persistent cramping or “charley horse” that begins to intensify over a period of several days. The cramping may be accompanied by swelling and discoloration. DVT may also occur in the upper extremity and can cause unexplained upper arm or neck swelling.
DVT, PE, and a combination of both are together referred to as Venous Thromboembolism (VTE).
VTE poses a huge public health threat with an estimated incidence in the United States alone of up to 2 million cases per year.
Predisposition to VTE may develop as a result of acquired or inherited disorders, or both. The majority of the acquired risk factors can be modified, thereby minimizing the chances of developing PE or DVT.
Long-distance travel by air is an often – cited risk factor. Others include obesity, hypertension, cigarette smoking, surgery, immobilization and trauma. Chronic medical illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure and cancer also increase the risk for PE. For women, there are additional risk factors such as oral contraceptives, pregnancy, and
Hereditary factors play a very important role in predisposing a person to PE. The presence of these hereditary risk factors in a person is called a prothrombotic or thrombophilic state. Genetic tests (including factor V Leiden and the prothrombin gene mutation) are being developed to identify high – risk individuals.
Latest Publications and Research on Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease- evidence for a thrombophilic state? - Published by PubMed
- Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis treated with direct oral anticoagulants: a multi-center real world experience. - Published by PubMed
- The use of intermittent pneumatic compression to prevent venous thromboembolism in neurosurgical patients-A systematic review and meta-analysis. - Published by PubMed
- Elixhauser Comorbidity Measure is Superior to Charlson Comorbidity Index In-Predicting Hospital Complications Following Elective Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion. - Published by PubMed
- Venous thromboembolism associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, homozygosity for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677C>T gene variant, and secondary polycythemia. - Published by PubMed
Citations
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APA
Dr. Reeja Tharu. (2012, July 26). Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis / Venous Thromboembolism. Medindia. Retrieved on Jul 05, 2022 from https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/pulmonary-embolism-and-deep-vein-thrombosis.htm.
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MLA
Dr. Reeja Tharu. "Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis / Venous Thromboembolism". Medindia. Jul 05, 2022. <https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/pulmonary-embolism-and-deep-vein-thrombosis.htm>.
Chicago
Dr. Reeja Tharu. "Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis / Venous Thromboembolism". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/pulmonary-embolism-and-deep-vein-thrombosis.htm. (accessed Jul 05, 2022).
Harvard
Dr. Reeja Tharu. 2021. Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis / Venous Thromboembolism. Medindia, viewed Jul 05, 2022, https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/pulmonary-embolism-and-deep-vein-thrombosis.htm.
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