Venous Thromboembolism - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications
The signs and symptoms of VTE are not the same for everyone. Sometimes VTE does not cause symptoms until serious complications occur. In other cases, deep vein thrombosis causes swelling or discomfort near the blood clot. Pulmonary embolism can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing. Pulmonary embolism can be a life-threatening condition.
Signs and symptoms
-
Venous Thromboembolism - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications
Deep vein thrombosis may cause the following to occur around the area of a blood clot:
- Swelling
- Pain or tenderness
- Increased warmth, cramps, or aching in the area that is swollen or painful, usually the calf or thigh
- Red or discolored skin
Signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism include:
- Shortness of breath
- Pain with deep breathing
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
Less common signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism may include coughing, with or without blood; feelings of anxiety or dread; light-headedness or fainting; and sweating.
Contact your doctor right away if you suspect that you have signs or symptoms of VTE. Deep vein thrombosis should be taken seriously, as it may lead to pulmonary embolism.
Complications
-
Venous Thromboembolism - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications
Possible complications of VTE include:
- Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), in which poor blood flow, inflammation, and blood vessel damage from deep vein thrombosis cause swelling and discomfort. PTS is a long-lasting condition that can be disabling. With PTS, you may notice swelling, pain, itchiness, or discoloration in the affected area, along with cramping or fatigue. The symptoms may feel worse if you have been on your feet for an extended period. In severe cases, skin sores may develop. Compression stockings may help relieve PTS symptoms.
- Pulmonary hypertension, which occurs when pulmonary embolism blocks blood flow and raises blood pressure in the vessels leading to your lungs. This condition can lead to heart failure. If you develop pulmonary hypertension, you may find it hard to breathe, especially after physical activity, or you may cough up blood, notice swelling, feel tired, have palpitations, or faint. If you still have pulmonary hypertension several months after a VTE event, your doctor may refer you to a specialist to talk about the possibility of surgery to remove a lung clot that has not gone away with treatment.