Pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are serious medical conditions involving blood clot formation within the vascular system. While they share similarities, it's crucial to recognise the distinctions between these two conditions to understand their implications, symptoms, and treatments. To understand the key differences between the two blood clot-related disorders, the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Santosh Patil, Consultant, Neuro And Vascular Interventional Radiology, Manipal Hospitals, Pune, and Dr Bhavesh Arun Popat, Vascular & Interventional Radiologist, Endovascular Clinic, Mumbai.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
“Sometimes a random blood clot forms in the bloodstream without any need for it. This untimely or misplaced blood clot is called a thrombus, and the spot is called thrombosis,” explained Dr Popat. He added, “Once a thrombus is formed, it can travel throughout the body and lodge into an organ, or block any vein or capillaries.”
As per data from the National Disability Navigator, DVT is a silent perpetrator that affects almost 900,000 United States (US) citizens annually, out of which, more than 100,000 people die each year. This is because DVTs can obstruct blood flow and potentially lead to severe complications if not detected and treated promptly. DVT is a risk factor for developing pulmonary embolism, as clots may dislodge and travel to the lungs.
Dr Patil shared the following symptoms:
- Swelling and pain in the affected leg
- Warmth and redness over the clot site
- Persistent leg cramps or tenderness
Pulmonary Embolism
“Pulmonary Embolism is a life-threatening condition that arises when a blood clot or other material called embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries in the lungs,” explained Dr Popat.
Dr Patil added, “The clot often originates in the deep veins of the legs (DVT) and travels to the lungs, causing a sudden and potentially fatal obstruction. PE requires immediate medical attention.”
A study published in Experimental and Clinical Cardiology shared that silent PE can develop in 40-50% of patients with DVT. The study shared data that revealed that in 30-45% of PE-related cases, the condition was diagnosed before death. In fact, following coronary artery disease and stroke, acute PE is the third most common type of cardiovascular disease.
Dr Popat listed the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain that may become worse with deep breaths
- Rapid heart rate
- Cough that may produce bloody or discoloured sputum
Deep Vein Thrombosis Vs. Pulmonary Embolism
Since PE is a direct cause of a DVT that has travelled to the lungs, the ways to avoid both these conditions are the same. Dr Patil listed the risk factors that can enable the formation of a blood clot:
- Immobility for extended periods
- Surgery or trauma
- Genetic predisposition
- Cancer
- Smoking
- Obesity
Talking about ways to diagnose this complex disorder, Dr Popat said, “DVT diagnosis involves ultrasound imaging to visualise blood flow in the affected veins. For PE, imaging tests such as CT pulmonary angiography and ventilation-perfusion scans are used to identify blood clot presence in the lungs.”
Just as its risk factors, the way to prevent DVT and PE is also the same. Dr Patil listed:
- Regular physical activity
- Avoiding prolonged immobility
- Compression stockings during long flights or bed rest
- Managing underlying health conditions
Understanding the distinctions between PE and DVT is crucial for early detection and effective management because these conditions are silent killers and do not present any major symptoms till it is too late. Both conditions share risk factors and can have serious consequences, emphasising the importance of adopting preventative measures and seeking prompt medical attention when symptoms arise.