Common vein condition 'may lead to serious blood clots'

Being diagnosed with a common vein condition may heighten the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), which can cause life-threatening blood clots, according to scientists.

Research published in journal Blood indicated that individuals with clinically diagnosed superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) are four to six times more likely to develop VTE.

Dr Suzanne C Cannegieter, from Leiden University, explained that if undiagnosed deep vein thrombosis develops to a pulmonary embolism, it can become very serious very quickly.

In light of these findings, the doctor emphasised the importance of finding and understanding the risk factors for DVT.

"People who experience symptoms of SVT are advised to see a doctor, particularly when these symptoms do not pass or grow worse, as SVT appears not to be a separate and benign form of venous thrombosis, as previously thought," she said.

This follows the development of a tool able to identify patients at high risk of serious blood clots, reports bmj.com.

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