Can legs be killers? Unfortunately they can, if the leg is affected by deep vein thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a commonly occurring medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower limbs, that either partially or completely blocks circulation. It may be caused by a variety of risk factors and triggering events, including cancer, obesity or restricted mobility due to acute medical illness, stroke, major surgery, previous DVT, or respiratory failure. DVT symptoms may include tenderness, pain in the leg, swelling and discoloration or redness. The condition also has potentially serious and life-threatening complications such as leg ulcers, pulmonary embolism, and even death if not diagnosed and treated effectively.  Cigarette smoking may contribute to the development of DVT.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) can occur when a blood clot or a fragment of it breaks loose from the wall of the vein and migrates to the lungs, where it blocks a pulmonary artery or one of its branches. Of those who develop PE, up to 200,000 may die each year. PE signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, coughing up blood, and fainting.

Up to half of DVT cases may have few or no symptoms. To help determine your risk for DVT, please complete the following quiz. If you think you are experiencing the symptoms of DVT or PE, you should seek medical attention immediately. 

Assess your risk with our online DVT quiz.