Blood clot or deep vein thrombosis
While many blood clots aren’t harmful, when one forms deep in one of your major veins, it’s a serious condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). While deep vein clots appear more frequently in the lower legs, they can also form in one or both thighs. Sometimes there are no symptoms, but other times they may include:
- swelling
- pain
- tenderness
- a warm sensation
- a pale or bluish discoloration
As a result of DVT, some people develop a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism in which a blood clot travels to the lungs. Symptoms include:
- sudden shortness of breath
- chest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath or when you cough
- lightheadedness or dizziness
- rapid pulse
- coughing up blood
Risk factors for DVT include:
- having an injury that damages your veins
- being overweight, which puts more pressure on the veins in your legs and pelvis
- having a family history of DVT
- having a catheter placed in a vein
- taking birth control pills or undergoing hormone therapy
- smoking (especially heavy usage)
- staying seated for a long time while you’re in a car or on a plane, especially if you already have at least one other risk factor
- pregnancy
- surgery
Treatment for DVT ranges from lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, to prescription blood thinners, the use compression stockings, and surgery in some cases
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