Recently we learned that beloved former Portland Trailblazers star Jerome Kersey died of a blood clot. This follows on the heels of current NBA player Chris Bosch’s diagnosis of a blood clot that may cause him to miss the remainder of the season. How do blood clots, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), cause problems?

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious medical that occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the major veins of the body. Usually this occurs in the legs and can cause symptoms such as leg pain or swelling, but there can be no symptom at all. Common risk factors for DVT development include prolonged immobilization (such as a long plane or car trips), surgery, injury, a family history of clotting disorders, pregnancy or use of birth control pills. If left untreated, a DVT can grow and dislodge where it travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) resulting in serious complications. Fortunately the chance of DVT occurring in active, healthy individuals is low. Moreover, DVT can be successfully treated and complications prevented if diagnosed properly.

At Northwest Vein & Aesthetic Center, we perform a painless duplex ultrasound, a simple noninvasive test that is the gold standard test for DVT diagnosis. March is National DVT Awareness Month, so please spread the word about this important condition to your family and loved ones. Increasing awareness helps to save lives!