Warning Signs Of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency. Deep vein thrombosis occurs when some mechanism causes a blood clot to form in the deep veins of a leg or arm. A blood clot is a blend of red blood cells, fibrin, and platelets that is meant to stop an individual from bleeding. In some individuals, blood clots can form without a functional cause. Usually, another underlying medical condition is responsible for triggering the process of blood clot formation. The more blood clots that form in an individual's legs, the higher their risk for experiencing complications that occur from part of the blood clot breaking free or the entire clot dislodging from its original location.

When the clot breaks off, it can flow freely in the bloodstream with the direction of blood flow. The blood in the deep veins flows in the direction back toward the heart, where it is pumped into the lungs for oxygenation. When the clot becomes loose and travels through the vein, into the heart, and then becomes lodged in the lungs, it is called a pulmonary embolism. Because a pulmonary embolism stops the proper flow of blood through a vital organ, it is a medical emergency.

Learn more about what can indicate the presence of deep vein thrombosis now.