What Is a DVT? Deep Vein Thrombosis Explained (Day 3/31)
What Is a DVT? Deep Vein Thrombosis Explained (Day 3/31)
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the leg. The deep veins are responsible for carrying blood back toward the heart, so when a clot forms it can block normal blood flow and lead to leg swelling, pain, warmth, or redness. Sometimes symptoms can be mild — which is why DVT can be missed.
The major concern with DVT is pulmonary embolism (PE). If part of the clot breaks off, it can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs and cause a PE. This can be life-threatening and may present as chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden collapse.
DVT can also cause serious problems in the leg itself. In severe cases, extensive clot burden can block most venous drainage from the limb, leading to phlegmasia — a surgical emergency with severe swelling, pain, and threatened limb viability.
Even after treatment, some patients develop post-thrombotic syndrome, a long-term complication that can cause chronic leg swelling, heaviness, skin changes, and venous ulcers.
World Thrombosis Day 2025
Learn the key signs of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism on World Thrombosis Day. Early detection saves lives. A quick 60-second guide from a vascular surgeon in Singapore.
World Thrombosis Day — Blood Clots in 60 Seconds
Today is World Thrombosis Day. Here is a quick 60-second explainer on blood clots.
One in four people worldwide die from conditions caused by thrombosis. Blood clots often form silently, most commonly in the legs as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When blood flow slows — after surgery, long flights, illness or immobility — a clot can develop.
The danger is when a clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). Together, DVT and PE are known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). Around 60% of VTE occurs in hospital, making it the leading preventable cause of hospital-related death.
In clinical practice, especially here in Singapore, vascular surgeons can remove the clot, restore blood flow, and prevent long-term damage using minimally invasive endovascular techniques. But awareness remains the key: recognising symptoms early saves lives.
Know the signs and symptoms of a blood clot:
• Leg swelling
• Pain or tenderness
• Leg discoloration
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fainting or feeling light-headed
• A racing heartbeat
If these symptoms appear, seek urgent medical attention.