Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the name given to a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism (PE).

A DVT is a blood clot (thrombus) that forms in a deep vein. It is most common in your leg or pelvis. It can cause swelling and pain. In a longer term, it can cause painful swelling and ulcers. If a clot moves and reaches your lungs, this is called PE. This can cause:

  • coughing (with blood stained phlegm)
  • chest pain
  • breathlessness.

VTE diagnosis needs immediate treatment. If you develop any of these symptoms in hospital or at home please get medical advice immediately.

Is VTE common?

VTE occurs in the general population in about 1 in 500 people. You may have heard in the news about DVT in people flying for long periods and suffering from ‘economy class syndrome’. You are actually much more likely to get VTE if you are going into hospital because of illness or surgery.

Who is at risk of VTE?

As well as being in hospital there are other things that place you at risk of VTE. These include:

  • a previous VTE
  • a recent diagnosis of cancer
  • some blood conditions like clotting disorders
  • some contraceptive and hormone replacement tablets can increase your risk.

Will my risk be assessed?

The Government has recognised that VTE is an important problem and has advised doctors and nurses that everyone admitted should have a VTE risk assessment done. If you are at risk we will tell you what can be done to reduce your risk. We will follow national guidelines and offer you protection against VTE. 

What can I do to reduce my risk of VTE?

If your hospital admission has been planned several weeks in advance there are some things that you can do to reduce your risk:

  • Talk to your doctor about your contraceptive or hormone replacement tablets. Your doctor may suggest stopping them in the weeks before your operation.
  • If possible, in the month before your operation, avoid continuous travel of more than 3 hours.
  • Keep a healthy weight.

What can I do when I’m in hospital?

  • Keep moving around or walking. Leg exercises are important. You can ask to see a physiotherapist if you would like some leg exercises.
  • Ask your doctor or nurse what is being done to reduce your risk.
  • Drink plenty of fluid to keep hydrated.

In hospital, what will be done to reduce my risk of VTE?

You will be assessed by your doctor for your need to be given preventative treatment to reduce the risk of VTE (prophylaxis).

If you need an anaesthetic your anaesthetist will decide which type of anaesthesia is best for you.

Anti-embolism stockings will be fitted if needed. You will be measured and fitted with stockings and be shown how to wear them. Please report any new symptoms in your feet or legs when wearing them to a member of staff. These stockings will reduce your risk.

The clinical team may tell you to wear a special inflatable sleeve or cuff around your legs while you are in bed. This will inflate automatically. It gives pressure at regular intervals to increase blood flow out of your legs. If the cuffs have been removed for more than 3 hours they should not be reapplied, unless advised by staff.

Finally your doctor might consider that you take an anticoagulant injection or tablet. This reduces the chance of your blood clotting and stop VTE from forming.

What happens when I leave hospital?

Anti-embolism stockings should be worn until you return to your level of mobility. If need help with any anticoagulation medicine at home please ask your nurse before you leave. It is important to keep moving. Avoid sitting down all day when you get home. Drink plenty of liquid and do any exercises you have been given.

If you develop any signs or symptoms of VTE at home like:

  • Swelling or pain in your leg or hip
  • Chest pains
  • Breathlessness
  • A cough, possibly with bloody phlegm

Get medical advice immediately. Speak to your GP or your nearest hospital emergency department.

Where can I found out more?

Please ask your doctor or nurse for more information. Alternatively the NHS website provides patient information on VTE NHS website  and NICE guidelines.

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Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

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