This animation depicts the formation of a DVT, resulting in a pulmonary embolism.
Medical Animation Copyright © 2007 Nucleus Medical Art, All rights reserved
Major Complications of Untreated DVT
DVT must be treated quickly to avoid or minimize serious complications. Two of the most serious are:
Pulmonary embolism (PE): If a piece of the clot breaks free from the venous lining and travels to the lungs, it can block the pulmonary artery or one of its branches. PE is a serious life-threatening condition, characterized by symptoms such as:
- Sudden, unexplained shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Painful breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Unexplained coughing
- Coughing up blood
There may also be feelings of apprehension, excessive sweating, or fainting. Diagnosis of PE can be challenging since symptoms are shared by other conditions such as a heart attack, pneumonia, and other medical disorders.
Seek immediate emergency medical care if you suspect you are having symptoms of PE.
Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), a complication caused by damage to venous valves and blocked blood flow from a clot. Symptoms of PTS may include:
- Swelling
- Heaviness
- Pain with walking
- Cramps
- Itchiness
- Numbness or tingling
- Hard or dark patches on the skin
- Redness
- Venous ulcerations
PTS can cause chronic pain and increase the likelihood of additional blood clot formation. It can result in chronic ill health, poor quality of life, and increased healthcare costs.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect you are having symptoms of PTS.