Feature Quiz: DVT and PE - Alt Text Version

Question 1: What are some symptoms of DVT?

Answer: About half of people with DVT (a blood clot that forms in a vein) have no symptoms at all. The following are the most common symptoms of DVT in the affected area:

• Swelling
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Redness of the skin

If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

 

Question 2: What are some symptoms of PE (blood clots in the lungs)?

Answer: Signs and symptoms of PE can include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Faster than normal or irregular heart beat
• Chest pain or discomfort, which usually worsens with a deep breath or coughing
• Anxiety
• Coughing up blood
• Very low blood pressure, lightheadedness, or fainting

If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately.

 

Question 3: Do you know how to prevent DVT and PE?
The following tips can help prevent venous blood clots (blood clots forming in a vein):

Answer: The following tips can help prevent venous blood clots (blood clots forming in a vein):

• Move around as soon as possible after having been confined to bed, such as after surgery, illness, or injury.

 

• If you’re at risk for DVT and PE, talk to your doctor about:
  • Graduated compression stockings (sometimes called “medical compression stockings”)
  • Medication (anticoagulants) to prevent DVT and PE.

• When sitting for long periods of time, such as when traveling for more than four hours:
  • Get up and walk around every 2 to 3 hours.
  • Exercise your legs while you’re sitting by:
    • Raising and lowering your heels while keeping your toes on the floor
    • Raising and lowering your toes while keeping your heels on the floor
    • Tightening and releasing your leg muscles
  • Wear loose-fitting clothes.

 

• Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and don’t smoke.

 

 

Question 4: Can you get DVT in your arm?

Answer: Yes

DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein. These clots usually develop in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but they can also occur in the arm.

 

 

Question 5: Can you name 5 or more things that put you at greater risk for getting DVT?

Answer:

• Hospitalization for a medical illness
• Recent major surgery or injury
• Personal history of a clotting disorder or previous DVT
• Increasing age
• Cancer and cancer treatments
• Pregnancy and the first 6 weeks after delivery
• Hormone replacement therapy or birth control products
• Family history of DVT
• Extended bed rest
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Prolonged sitting when traveling (longer than 6 to 8 hours)

 

 

Question 6: How serious is DVT?

Answer: DVT is very serious.

DVT can happen to anybody and can cause serious illness, temporary disability, and in some cases, death. The good news is that DVT is preventable and treatable if discovered early.

 

 

Question 7: How many people get DVT and PE each year in the United States?

Answer:
We don’t know. Probably 300,000 to 600,000 Americans are diagnosed with a first DVT or PE blood clot in a given year, but others may have undiagnosed blood clots and many other people may have a chronic or repeat blood clot or may have leg problems from a previous DVT.   

 

 

To learn more about DVT and PE, visit CDC’s website.