Thrombosis (DVT)
A thrombosis is an abnormal blood clot that has formed inside of any vein or artery and is big enough to restrict blood flow. They can be dangerous/deadly if a part breaks off and travels to other areas of the body or completely blocks blood flow. A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that has formed in a bigger vein, usually in the legs. A superficial vein thrombosis is a blood clot that has formed in a vein close to the surface of the skin, most of the time an arm or leg.
What is a blood clot?
A blood clot is a mass of blood cells, platelets and clotting proteins that is normally made by the body after an injury to stop bleeding. However, blood clots can also form for other reasons such as poor blood flow, taking certain medications, having other medical conditions that have a high risk for the blood to clot and having other risk factors that increase the risk for the blood to clot. When a blood clot is made abnormally or grows bigger than normal, it causes a problem with blood flow, preventing the transportation of oxygen.