Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
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 clotting properties of the blood. It may, for example, follow surgery and prolonged immobility, or a long period sitting in one position as happens on long aeroplane flights (keep wiggling your toes).
Children and young people are much less at risk than adults are, but some of us have a genetic defect in our clotting mechanisms which makes blood clots more likely. This is of importance to any young girl considering using the oral contraceptive pill, since this also predisposes to the development of blood clots. Any girl with a family history of deep venous thrombosis may wish to consider having her clotting mechanisms checked before starting, since deep venous thrombosis can cause death through pulmonary embolus.
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