These tests create pictures of your organs and tissues. Other tests used to diagnose DVT include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (to-MOG-rah-fee), or CT scanning. The x-ray will show whether blood flow is slow in the vein, which may suggest a blood clot. For venography, dye is injected into a vein in the affected leg, which makes the vein visible on an x-ray image. Your doctor may suggest venography if an ultrasound doesn't provide a clear diagnosis. If your test results are normal and you have few risk factors, DVT isn't likely. If the test shows high levels of the substance, you may have a deep vein blood clot. Your doctor also may recommend a D-dimer test or venography (ve-NOG-rah-fee).Ī D-dimer test measures a substance in the blood that's released when a blood clot dissolves. This test uses sound waves to create pictures of blood flowing through the arteries and veins in the affected leg. The most common test for diagnosing deep vein blood clots is ultrasound. Your doctor may recommend tests to find out whether you have DVT. He or she also will check your blood pressure and your heart and lungs. Your doctor will check your legs for signs of DVT, such as swelling or redness. Any recent surgeries or injuries you've had.Any prescription medicines you're taking.To learn about your medical history, your doctor may ask about: He or she will identify your risk factors and rule out other causes of your symptoms.įor some people, DVT might not be diagnosed until after they receive emergency treatment for pulmonary embolism (PE). Your doctor will diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT) based on your medical history, a physical exam, and test results. Rapid breathing and a fast heart rate also may be signs of PE. Some people aren't aware of a deep vein clot until they have signs and symptoms of PE. Increased warmth in the area of the leg that's swollen or painful.Pain or tenderness in the leg, which you may feel only when standing or walking.Swelling of the leg, or along a vein in the leg.These signs and symptoms occur in the leg affected by the deep vein clot. Only about half of the people who have DVT have signs and symptoms. Both DVT and PE can cause serious, possibly life-threatening problems if not treated. See your doctor right away if you have signs or symptoms of either condition.

The signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) might be related to DVT itself or pulmonary embolism (PE). Your risk for DVT increases if you have more than one of the risk factors listed above. Being older than 60 is a risk factor for DVT, although DVT can occur at any age. This is a tube placed in a vein to allow easy access to the bloodstream for medical treatment.

Recent or ongoing treatment for cancer.

Pregnancy and the first 6 weeks after giving birth.

This may occur after surgery, if you're ill and in bed for a long time, or if you're traveling for a long time.

Slow blood flow in a deep vein due to lack of movement.

Injury to a deep vein from surgery, a broken bone, or other trauma.

Hormone therapy or birth control pills also increase the risk of clotting. Some inherited blood disorders (such as factor V Leiden) will do this.

Conditions or factors that make your blood thicker or more likely to clot than normal.

The risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) include: Hormone therapy or birth control pills also can increase the risk of clotting. Some inherited conditions (such as factor V Leiden) increase the risk of blood clotting.

Your blood is thicker or more likely to clot than normal.

Lack of motion can cause sluggish or slow blood flow.

Such factors include surgery, serious injuries, inflammation, and immune responses. Injuries caused by physical, chemical, or biological factors can damage the veins. This term is used for both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.īlood clots can form in your body's deep veins if:

Deep vein thrombosis arm