What is a serious potential complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Pulmonary embolism is a serious potential complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) because it occurs when a blood clot that has formed in a deep vein—typically in the legs—breaks loose and travels to the lungs. This can lead to a blockage in the pulmonary arteries, which can severely impair oxygen delivery to the bloodstream and result in life-threatening situations. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can include difficulty breathing, chest pain, rapid heart rate, and sometimes coughing up blood, highlighting the critical nature of this complication.

While skin rash, hypotension, and hemorrhagic stroke may be associated with various medical conditions or complications, they do not directly relate to the specific and immediate complications arising from DVT in the same way that pulmonary embolism does. The risk of pulmonary embolism is one of the reasons why prompt diagnosis and treatment of DVT are crucial.