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Frequently Asked Questions

A: DVT is the formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the legs, pelvis, abdomen, chest, and arms.

A:  The blood clots that form in the deep veins can become dislodged and float into the lung blood vessels. Since these clots form in deep veins, which can be very large, such large and long blood clots can plug the blood flow in the lungs resulting in lack of blood flow within the circulatory system and also the prevention of oxygenation of the blood. Both of these events can result in death. A less acute consequence of these clots is damage to the lower leg venous system resulting in the post-thrombotic syndrome (edema, pain, increased pigment and hardening of the skin of the lower leg, skin ulceration, and itchiness).

A: Heparin (a drug that prevents blood from clotting) is given intravenously or by injection immediately after diagnosis. It is very rapid in action. Heparin is given until an oral medication (warfarin) can be substituted as an effective blood-clotting inhibitor. The medicines are termed anticoagulants because they prevent the formation of blood clots.

A: The major adverse effects of heparin are bleeding, thrombocytopenia (decrease in blood platelet count), and osteoporosis (reduction in bone mass that can lead to fractures). The major adverse effects of warfarin are bleeding and coumarin-induced skin necrosis (destruction of skin tissue).

A: Low molecular weight heparin is given by intermittent injection (once or twice daily) rather than by continuous intravenous drip, and it does not require the monitoring required for unfractionated heparin.