Which is a potential serious complication of DVT?

A serious complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is pulmonary embolism. This condition arises when a blood clot, which usually forms in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis, dislodges and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. Once in the pulmonary circulation, the clot can obstruct one or more pulmonary arteries, leading to significant respiratory distress, decreased oxygen levels in the blood, and potentially resulting in death if not treated promptly.

Pulmonary embolism can present with a range of symptoms including sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that may worsen with deep breathing or coughing, rapid heart rate, and sometimes even hemoptysis (coughing up blood). The risk of developing a pulmonary embolism increases with the size of the clot and the duration of the DVT. Recognizing DVT and initiating timely treatment is crucial to reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism and its associated complications.

Chronic fatigue syndrome, cardiac arrest, and stroke do not have a direct causative link to DVT in the immediate context like pulmonary embolism. While individuals with DVT may have other risk factors for these conditions, they are not recognized as direct complications of DVT itself.