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When a Silent Clot Turns Fatal
25 August, 2025
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It was a joyous recovery—until it wasn’t. Full of hope, the patient had just begun to regain strength after a successful surgery when, suddenly, they collapsed. The family was left stunned—without a chance to say goodbye. What went wrong?
This is the terrifying truth behind Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a condition that can silently become fatal if not detected in time. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the legs. If this clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, it can cause a Pulmonary Embolism (PE), a potentially deadly complication.
Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
DVT Symptoms
- Swelling in one leg
- Pain or tenderness
- Warmth and redness over the affected area
PE Symptoms
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Sharp chest pain
- Light-headedness or fainting
Coughing up blood
Diagnosis & Treatment
VTE is diagnosed using tools like Colour Doppler, Echocardiogram & CT Pulmonary Angiography, along with a thorough medical history and physical examination.
Treatment aims to prevent the clot from growing or traveling further.
• Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
• Thrombolytics (clot busters)
• Surgical options such as mechanical thrombectomy, catheter directed thrombolysis or vena cava filters in severe cases.
DVT and PE often strike without warning, but their effects can be devastating. With awareness, timely diagnosis, and preventive care, we can combat this silent killer before it claims another life.
Featuring insights from Dr Balaji V, Vascular Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Greams Lane, Chennai
📞 For appointments, call Apollo Hospitals Chennai at 044 4040 1066
