What are the hazards if you have blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis, DVT)?
If the DVT remains in the leg vein, it can cause a number of complications, including inflammation (phlebitis) and leg ulcers. However, the real danger occurs if the clot leaves the vein and travels through the circulatory system. A pulmonary embolism means the clot has blocked off the main artery to the lungs or one of its major branches.
It is estimated that 80 per cent of pulmonary embolisms are linked to DVT. Around one third of people who experience a major pulmonary embolism will die. Life-saving treatment includes thrombolytic and anticoagulation medications that dissolve the clot and restore blood flow.
