- A deep vein thrombosis occurs when slow flowing blood clots in the veins deep in the calf or thigh
- It may be associated with pain, swelling, redness, distension of superficial veins and tenderness of the calf and/or thigh
- It may however be present but produce no symptoms at all
- Pieces of the clots in the veins may break off and be carried in the blood stream to the heart and lungs – these clots are called pulmonary emboli
- A DVT should be suspected in any patient on the stroke unit who develops a swollen leg
- It is important to look at patient’s calves regularly to see if they are red, hot or swollen and ask the patient if they are experiencing any pain. If you suspect swelling, measure the calf circumference and report it to the doctors.
Deep Vein Thrombosis in detail – the animation contrasts the flow of blood cells in a healthy vein with one where the flow is restricted by thrombus.
The superficial veins, which become varicose are called the long and short saphenous veins. Thrombosis in these is called superficial thrombophlebitis. It is a painful condition but usually not dangerous.
Page last reviewed: 21 Apr 2020
