• What is a deep vein thrombosis?
• What is a pulmonary embolism?
• What is a venous thromboembolism?
• What are the symptoms of a DVT or PE?
• FAQ

---

WHAT IS A DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)?

                              

1 in 3 people will have long-term complications following a DVT⁽¹⁾.

                                                              

---

WHAT IS A PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE)?

                              

1 in 4 people’s first symptom of a PE is sudden death⁽¹⁾

                                                                            

---

WHAT IS VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM (VTE)?

DVT and PE are part of a condition called venous thromboembolism (VTE).

VTE is the third-most common cardiovascular disease affecting 10 million people globally⁽²⁾

        VTE is estimated to cost $1.7 billion in Australia per year⁽³⁾

 

---

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DVT AND PE?

If you experience these symptoms you should seek medical advice immediately.

                                     

---

For an in-depth review of information about DVT and PE, follow the links below:

• Patient education: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (Beyond the Basics)
• Patient education: Pulmonary embolism (Beyond the Basics)

             

---

DVT AND PE FAQ:

                             

What are the chances of developing another thrombosis (deep vein thrombosis or DVT)?

The risk of having a DVT is higher for someone who has already had one. However, this risk is different for everyone – depending on your medical history, family history, and more.

Will my swelling go away?

The swelling may remain for some time. Compression stockings can help to increase blood flow and reduce swelling, as well as help to prevent any complications from the DVT.

What are the warning signs of a DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE)?

See above.

What should I expect after a PE?

After a PE it is common to experience shortness of breath as well as mild pain or pressure – especially during exercise or deep breathing. These symptoms will improve over time, and mild exercise can help you to recover more quickly.

Who should I tell that I am taking blood thinners?

Your doctors, nurses, dentist, or other healthcare practitioners.

Who should I tell that I have had a blood clot?

Any doctor or healthcare professional that is caring for you, including if you are hospitalised for any reason.

Is it okay to exercise after a blood clot?

You must talk to your doctor about whether and how much you should exercise. Mild exercise such as walking and swimming can be beneficial to increasing circulation and reducing swelling.

What can I do to minimise my risk of a first-time or recurrent DVT?

Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, avoiding immobility, and avoiding stress can all help to reduce the risk of a DVT.  

What are anticoagulants?

They are medicines in the form of tablets or injections that are given to significantly reduce the risk of blood clots.

What are the risks associated with anticoagulants?

Excessive bleeding or internal haemorrhage are more likely when taking an anticoagulant. Ask your doctor about any modifications to your lifestyle or other medicines before starting anticoagulants.  If you are on anticoagulants tell your doctor if there are any signs of bleeding, or your health professional before changing to other medication, or prior to surgical procedures.

---

                   

Help fund our thrombosis research

We invite you to get involved in our fight against thrombosis by participating in an upcoming event, donating to our cause, or partnering with us. Get involved today. 

---

     

Learn more about thrombosis or download a leaflet version of this page to keep or give to a loved one.

      

Back to the top. 

                             

---

SOURCES:

1. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Venous Thromboembolism: Impact of Blood Clots on the United States.

2. Queensland Health. Guideline for the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in Adult Hospitalised Patients. 2018.
3. Access Economics Pty Ltd for the Australia and New Zealand working party on the management and prevention of venous thromboembolism. The burden of venous thromboembolism in Australia, 1 May 2008. Access Economics Pty Ltd; 2008.

4. Smith, S., Travers, R., Morissery, J. How it all starts: Initiation of the clotting cascade. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol. 2015; 50(4):326-336.

5. Oklu, R. Thrombosis. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther. 2017;7:S131-S133.

6. Tran, H., Harry, G., Eileen, M., Jennifer, C., Laura, Y., Ashwini, B., Chee, W., Sanjeev, C., Chris, W., Ross, B., and Harshal, N. New guidelines from the Thrombosis and Haemostasis Society of Australia and New Zealand for the diagnosis and management of venous thromboembolism. Med J Aust 2019; 210 (5): II

7. Dragoman, M., Tepper, N., Fu, R., Curtis, K., Chou, R., and Gaffield, M. A systematic review and meta-analysis of venous thrombosis risk among users of combined oral contraception. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2018: 141(3): 287-294.

8. Bateson, D., Butcher, B., Donovan, C., Farrell, L.,  Kovacs, G., Mezzini, T., Raynes-Greenow, C., Pecoraro, G., Read, C., and Baber R. Risk of venous thromboembolism in women taking the combined oral contraceptive: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Royal Australian College of Australian Practitioners 2016.