DVT – Blood Clots

Transcript

Blood clots can cause problems in several parts of the body. There are three types of blood clots. Deep vein thromboses, called DVTs, pulmonary embolisms, PEs, and arterial clots. Usually when referring to a blood clot, we’re referring to DVTs. Most DVTs occur in the leg. It’s possible to receive a diagnosis and treatment in the ER, and go home with medication to treat your DVT. A blood clot in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism or PE. When someone is first diagnosed with a PE, they are frequently kept in the hospital for blood thinning medicines and further tests to make sure it’s okay to return home. Some patients diagnosed in the ER with a PE are safe to send home with the right treatment. Arterial blood clots cause strokes and heart attacks. If an artery in the arm or leg develops a blood clot, they can also cause symptoms similar to DVTs. However, patients with these clots are usually kept in the hospital rather than going home from the ER.