Shallow Clots May Signal Deeper Problems

Blood clots in veins near the surface of the legs may be a bigger problem than doctors thought, new research suggests. These clots are known as superficial venous thrombosis (SVT). They are considered less serious than blood clots in deeper veins. But a new study found that SVT may signal other problems as well. The study analyzed data on 844 older adults who had symptoms of SVT in the legs. Researchers found that nearly one-quarter of them also had a blood clot in the deep veins or the lungs. A clot in the lungs is very dangerous. Researchers also looked at how people with only SVT were doing later. Within three months, about 10% had further problems. These included deep vein thrombosis, a new or larger clot in a superficial vein, or a clot in the lungs. The study appeared in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. HealthDay News wrote about it February 16.