Detailed Description
Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, preventing the flow of blood through the circulatory system. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the most common form of venous thrombosis (blood clot). DVT refers to a clot in a deep vein and it often happens in the leg. Symptoms in the affected area include pain, swelling, redness and warmth.
If you suspect a DVT you should contact a doctor as soon as possible, because sometimes the clot may break loose and travel to other parts of the body.
If the clot travels to the lungs, it can block essential blood vessels. This life-threatening complication is known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). Symptoms include a sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood-streaked mucus and a rapid heartbeat.
If the clot travels to the brain, it is also extremely dangerous and can potentially cause a cerebral venous thrombosis. Symptoms include impaired speech, difficulty moving parts of the body, vision problems and severe headaches.
Every year, more people die from a blood-clotting problem than breast cancer and HIV combined. All that is needed is a simple mouth swab to uncover your risk with this DNA test.