What is Deep Vein Thrombosis? What Is DVT?

Main Category: Vascular
Also Included In: Blood / Hematology
Article Date: 10 Mar 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the large veins, usually in the arm or leg, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. A DVT blood clot has the potential to move into the lungs, creating a life-threatening condition know as a Pulmonary Embolism (PE).

Who is at risk?

Certain individuals may be at an increased risk for developing deep vein thrombosis. Risk factors include, but are not limited to:

• Restricted Mobility
• Cancer
• Infection
• Obesity
• Age - Over 40
• Varicose Veins
• Smoking

What are the symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Symptoms of DVT may include pain, swelling, tenderness, discoloration or redness of the affected area, and skin is warm to the touch. However, some DVT episodes present no symptoms.

How Is DVT Treated?

Effective prophylaxis and treatment options exist for DVT and PE. Blood thinners are commonly used to reduce the risk of and treat DVT. With early treatment, patients with DVT may reduce their chances of developing PE to less than 1 percent.

DVT Quick Facts

• DVT-related PE is the most common cause of preventable death in hospitalized patients.


• Approximately two million Americans suffer from DVT annually.


• Each year, approximately 600,000 Americans are hospitalized for DVT and its complication, PE.


• DVT kills more people annually than AIDS and breast cancer combined.


• More people suffer from DVT annually than from heart attack or stroke.

DVT Resources for Hospitalists and Healthcare Professionals

The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) offers resources for hospitalists and their healthcare teams on the treatment and prevention of DVT. SHM's online resource room is a free tool that guides hospitalists on the prevention of hospital-acquired DVT. A downloadable implementation guide and clinical toolbox provide a step-by-step, team-based approach to this common patient safety issue.

SHM is also a founding member of the Coalition to Prevent DVT, an organization founded in 2003. To date, more than 50 organizations have joined the Coalition to increase awareness of DVT among consumers, healthcare professionals, policy-makers, and public health leaders. This March, the Coalition will kick off DVT Awareness Month with an RV tour that will cross the country, bringing free DVT screening to 15 hospitals and health organizations from coast to coast.

SHM is the premier medical society representing hospitalists. Over the past decade, studies have shown that hospitalists decrease patient lengths of stay, reduce hospital costs and readmission rates, all while increasing patient satisfaction. Hospital medicine is the fastest-growing specialty in modern healthcare, with over 28,000 hospitalists currently practicing and an upward growth trajectory in full force. For more information about SHM, visit http://www.hospitalmedicine.org.