Health Information
Blood Clots in the Leg Veins
Topic Overview
Blood clots can happen in veins. A blood clot in a vein close to the skin isn't likely to cause problems. But having blood clots in deep veins is called Reference deep vein thrombosis Opens New Window. Deep vein thrombosis happens most often in the legs. This problem can lead to a blood clot in the lung (Reference pulmonary embolism Opens New Window).
The deep veins of the leg have different terms to describe their location:
- Upper (proximal) leg veins are those above the
knee but below the waist.
- Popliteal veins are located behind the knee.
- Iliac and femoral veins are in the groin area.
- Lower (distal) leg veins are those below the knee.
- Distal leg veins are located in the calf and ankle.
A person with a blood clot in a deep upper (proximal) leg vein is at increased risk for a blood clot in the lung or other complications.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference January 9, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology |
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