Diagnosis Locations Treatment and Care Options Risk Factors Causes Symptoms About
Find a specialist
woman being evaluated by medical provider for deep vein thrombosis

Early detection and treatment of DVT can prevent complications

A thrombus is a blood clot that develops in your heart or a blood vessel. When thrombosis occurs in one of the large veins buried deep in your body, you have a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a form of peripheral vascular disease. DVT typically forms in the thigh and lower leg but can also form in the arm and pelvis.

Over time, DVT can cause a condition known as post-thrombotic syndrome, in which the DVT damages blood vessels and causes long-term swelling, pain, ulcers and physical disability.

An untreated DVT can break off and travel through the bloodstream and enter the lungs. If the clot is large enough, it can prevent blood from reaching the lungs, cause dangerously low oxygen levels and can even be fatal.

Knowing the symptoms and risk factors of DVT can help you identify and get treatment for these blood clots early.

DVT symptoms

DVT may not cause noticeable symptoms. If you experience symptoms, they affect the area near the leg vein, arm or other area with the blood clot. Symptoms of DVT include:

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Severe headache

When DVT moves to the lungs, symptoms may include:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Blood when you cough
close up of vital sign monitor during a deep vein thrombosis surgery

What causes deep vein thrombosis?

Anything that slows or changes your blood flow can cause blood to clot and cause a DVT to form. Reasons your blood may clot include:

  • Being on long-term bed rest
  • Giving birth
  • Having surgery
  • Sitting in the same position for long periods
  • Using estrogen or birth control pills
  • Smoking or using tobacco products

Deep vein thrombosis risk factors

DVT affects people of all ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic status. You may be at higher risk due to:

  • Age: Most cases occur in adults after age 60.
  • Limited movement: This often occurs with injury, paralysis, prolonged bed rest or air travel.
  • Certain medical conditions: Heart disease, lung disease, cancer, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), and lupus are among the medical conditions that increase your risk of blood clots.
  • Family history: You may inherit a predisposition for blood clots and DVT.
  • Injury or surgery: Fractures or surgeries involving the hip, knee or pelvis can cause blood clots.
  • Smoking: Tobacco smoke causes blood cells to become sticky and form clots. It also damages blood vessels and increases the formation of blood clots.

Detecting and diagnosing DVT

Diagnosing DVT starts with a discussion of your medical history and a physical exam. Your provider will ask about pain, swelling and other symptoms you’ve experienced, and they may order one or more of the following diagnostic tests:

Blood test

Blood tests can demonstrate if your blood produces clots and measure for specific protein levels or genetic markers that might increase your risk for clotting.

Imaging test

Imaging tests like venography and duplex ultrasounds allow doctors to see through deep veins and arteries. CT scans can also be helpful in certain situations.

DVT treatment

​​​​​​​​​​​​​DVT treatment may involve medication or surgery.

Blood thinners

Blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, are designed to prevent blood clots from forming.

Clot busters

Clot busters work to dissolve blood clots that have already formed.

Compression socks

Compression socks apply pressure to your lower legs, helping to maintain blood flow and reduce discomfort and swelling.

Surgery and procedures

Surgical procedures include:

  • Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube is used to help break up, dissolve or suck out a blood clot.
  • Surgical venous thrombectomy is a more invasive surgical procedure used to grab and remove the blood clot.
  • An inferior vena cava filter is an implanted device to help capture or filter blood clots before they can reach the heart or lungs.

After treatment, your vascular surgeon will monitor you to reduce the chances that you’ll develop another DVT. You can help prevent another blood clot by:

  • Attending all your follow-up visits and having follow-up blood tests and ultrasound scans
  • Taking medications as directed
  • Wearing compression stockings if your provider recommends doing so

Find a location near you

Our vascular specialists are available at Baylor Scott & White locations throughout North and Central Texas, so you can find a location close to home that makes attending follow-up visits easy and convenient.

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Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview

906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
831.3 mi Directions
Call 877.634.0028
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler

1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
863.3 mi Directions
Call 877.634.0028
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville

Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville

4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
868.2 mi Directions
Call 469.800.3400
Closed
  • Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City

Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City

6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
880.2 mi Directions
Call 469.800.2700
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - McKinney

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - McKinney

5268 W University Dr , McKinney, TX, 75071
886.9 mi Directions
Call 469.814.3278
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - McKinney

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - McKinney

5236 W University Dr Ste 4450, McKinney, TX, 75071
888.7 mi Directions
Call 469.800.6100
Closed
  • Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - McKinney

Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - McKinney

5236 W University Dr Ste 4100, McKinney, TX, 75071
888.7 mi Directions
Call 469.800.6300
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - McKinney

Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - McKinney

5236 W University Dr POB I, Ste 4900, McKinney, TX, 75071
888.7 mi Directions
Call 469.800.4540
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney

5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
888.7 mi Directions
Call 469.764.1000
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Rockwall

Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Rockwall

1005 W Ralph Hall Pkwy Ste 225, Rockwall, TX, 75032
892.5 mi Directions
Call 469.800.4540
Closed
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Rockwall

Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Rockwall

6705 Heritage Pkwy Ste 202, Rockwall, TX, 75087
892.9 mi Directions
Call 469.800.3200
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe

6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
892.9 mi Directions
Call 972.520.8000
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Craig Ranch

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Craig Ranch

6800 State Highway 121 , McKinney, TX, 75070
893.0 mi Directions
Call 469.800.6100
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Prosper

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Prosper

111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
893.1 mi Directions
Call 469.800.6100
Closed
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Prosper

Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Prosper

111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
893.1 mi Directions
Call 469.800.4540
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Prosper

Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Prosper

111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
893.1 mi Directions
Call 469.800.6300
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Rowlett

Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Rowlett

7801 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 100, Rowlett, TX, 75088
894.0 mi Directions
Call 469.800.2700
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group - Gainesville

Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group - Gainesville

201 N Interstate 35 Ste 140, Gainesville, TX, 76240
895.4 mi Directions
Call 940.382.8080
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Frisco

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Frisco

4461 Coit Rd Ste 101, Frisco, TX, 75035
897.2 mi Directions
Call 469.800.6100
Closed
  • Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial

12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
897.2 mi Directions
Call 469.764.8000
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Garland

Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Garland

7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044
897.5 mi Directions
Call 469.800.6300
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Garland

Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Garland

7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044
897.5 mi Directions
Call 469.800.4540
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Forney

Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Forney

763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240, Forney, TX, 75126
897.7 mi Directions
Call 469.800.2700
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Frisco

Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Frisco

9990 Dallas Pkwy Ste 100, Frisco, TX, 75033
898.5 mi Directions
Call 469.800.6300
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants at The Star

Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants at The Star

3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 910, Frisco, TX, 75034
900.0 mi Directions
Call 469.800.4400
Closed
  • Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Preston Road

Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Preston Road

6601 Preston Rd , Plano, TX, 75024
900.4 mi Directions
Call 469.800.6300
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Spring Creek Parkway

Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Spring Creek Parkway

5655 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 155, Plano, TX, 75024
901.3 mi Directions
Call 469.800.6300
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale

231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
901.5 mi Directions
Call 972.892.3000
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano

Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano

6000 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 220, Plano, TX, 75024
901.6 mi Directions
Call 469.800.4400
Closed
  • Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Plano

Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Plano

1820 Preston Park Blvd Ste 1450, Plano, TX, 75093
901.6 mi Directions
Call 469.800.4540
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Mesquite

Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Mesquite

1575 Interstate 30 , Mesquite, TX, 75150
902.0 mi Directions
Call 469.800.3350
Closed
  • Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Plano

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Plano

1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
902.1 mi Directions
Call 469.814.3278
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Mesquite

Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Mesquite

5308 N Galloway Ave Ste 201, Mesquite, TX, 75150
902.3 mi Directions
Call 469.800.3200
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thoracic Aortic Disease Center

Thoracic Aortic Disease Center

4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
902.3 mi Directions
Call 469.814.3480
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Genetics Center

Genetics Center

4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 350, Plano, TX, 75093
902.3 mi Directions
Call 469.814.3480
Heart Rhythm Center

Heart Rhythm Center

4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
902.3 mi Directions
Call 469.814.3480
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Recovery Center - Plano

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Recovery Center - Plano

4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 350, Plano, TX, 75093
902.3 mi Directions
Call 469.814.3480
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Global Heart Health Center

Global Heart Health Center

4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
902.3 mi Directions
Call 469.814.3480
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Plano

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Plano

4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 340, Plano, TX, 75093
902.3 mi Directions
Call 469.800.6100
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano II

Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano II

4716 Alliance Blvd Ste 340, Plano, TX, 75093
902.3 mi Directions
Call 469.800.4400
Closed
  • Monday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano

4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
902.3 mi Directions
Call 469.814.2000
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Park Cities

Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Park Cities

9101 N Central Expy Ste 300C, Dallas, TX, 75231
907.1 mi Directions
Call 469.800.7500
Closed
  • Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Denton

Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Denton

3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
909.6 mi Directions
Call 469.800.4540
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group

Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group

3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
909.6 mi Directions
Call 940.382.8080
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Denton

Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Denton

3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
909.6 mi Directions
Call 817.912.8400
Closed
  • Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Denton

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Denton

2801 S Mayhill Rd , Denton, TX, 76208
909.6 mi Directions
Call 855.760.0600
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Cardiovascular Clinic - Denton

Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Cardiovascular Clinic - Denton

3341 Unicorn Lake Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
910.2 mi Directions
Call 469.814.4475
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health

Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health

3500 Gaston Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246
910.9 mi Directions
Call 214.820.0111
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Dallas

Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Dallas

3410 Worth St Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75246
910.9 mi Directions
Call 214.820.6856
Closed
  • Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery - Dallas

Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery - Dallas

621 N Hall St Ste 120, Dallas, TX, 75226
911.0 mi Directions
Call 469.800.7760
Closed
  • Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm