Deep Venous Thrombosis

Deep venous thrombosis is a condition where a clot develops in one of the large veins either in the leg or in the pelvis. This happens either as a result of damage to the wall of the vessel, prolonged stasis of the blood, or a change in the coagulation properties of the blood. It may, for example, follow surgery and prolonged immobility, or a long period sitting in one position as can occur on long aeroplane flights, or it may be the blood is more likely to clot as a result of an underlying cancer. In some people there is a genetic defect in their clotting mechanisms.

Any person with a family history of deep venous thrombosis may wish to consider having their clotting mechanisms assessed, since they may be at greater risk of developing a blood clot. This may be of importance should they be for example considering using the oral contraceptive pill, which may increase the chance of developing blood clots. Deep venous thrombosis requires treatment to thin the blood in order to prevent the development of a pulmonary embolus.
 
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