DVT Can Lead To Sudden Death
Often mistaken for swelling or pain, it has claimed lives quietly, including Grammy-winning singer Mandisa, who died earlier this year from complications linked to a clot
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may sound clinical, but it’s a condition that can turn deadly within moments. When a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the leg, part of it can dislodge and travel to the lungs as a pulmonary embolism (PE)—a fatal blockage. Alarmingly, DVT and PE together account for one in four deaths worldwide, making them among medicine’s most under-recognised killers.
“DVT is not just about leg swelling or pain—it’s a silent threat that can lead to sudden death if undiagnosed,” cautions Dr Karthik Mikkineni, MD, FACS, FSVS, RPVI, Founding Director of RIVEA Vascular Institute, Hyderabad. “Awareness, prevention, and timely treatment save lives.”
Tragic reminder
Even the famous aren’t immune. In August 2024, Houston rapper and producer BeatKing (Justin Riley) died suddenly at just 39 from a pulmonary embolism, reported to be a complication of DVT. His death underscores how swiftly and unexpectedly this condition can strike—even in the seemingly healthy and active.
What is DVT?
DVT occurs when blood clots form where they shouldn’t—deep inside leg veins—often with no warning. Left untreated, clots may migrate to the lungs, causing a life-threatening PE. In hospitals, DVT remains a leading preventable cause of death. Without preventive measures, 40–60% of high-risk post-surgical patients develop clots, which is why modern protocols mandate prevention checks before discharge.
Who’s at risk?
Clots can strike anyone, but certain factors increase the likelihood:
l Long-haul travel or immobility after surgery
l Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking
l Pregnancy and postpartum period
l Cancer or chemotherapy
l Hormone therapy or contraceptives
l Personal or family history of clots
l Age (though even the young aren’t exempt)
“We’ve treated patients in their 20s and 30s who developed DVT after long flights or even minor injuries,” says Dr. Mikkineni.
Spot the warning signs
DVT often mimics everyday aches. Key signs to watch for include:
l Swelling in one leg (especially if it’s uneven)
l Pain or tenderness in the calf or thigh
l Warmth, redness, or skin discolouration over a vein
Early diagnosis through ultrasound or D-dimer tests is critical to prevent PE.
How to lower the fatality
Fortunately, DVT is often preventable. Small changes make a big difference:
l Stay active: Move regularly, especially during long trips
l Hydrate: Dehydration thickens blood
l Exercise and maintain healthy weight: Boosts circulation
l Quit smoking: Protects vascular health
l Compression stockings: For high-risk individuals
l Hospital care: Early mobilisation, anticoagulants, and discharge safety checks
“Simple steps—like calf exercises on a flight or wearing compression stockings after surgery—can drastically lower your risk,” Dr. Mikkineni notes.
What triggers clotting?
A clot typically forms when there’s an imbalance in Virchow’s triad: slow blood flow, vein injury, or “sticky” (hypercoagulable) blood.
l Slow flow: immobility during long flights or bed rest
l Vein injury: surgery, trauma, catheter use
l Sticky blood: genetic predisposition, cancer, pregnancy, or oestrogen-based medications
Life After a clot
Surviving DVT doesn’t always mean life returns to normal. Up to 50% of patients develop post-thrombotic syndrome, marked by chronic swelling, skin changes, and painful leg ulcers—lasting reminders of a momentary clot.
Awareness saves lives
DVT affects the rich, the famous, and the everyday person alike. But with knowledge and vigilance, tragedy can be avoided.
“DVT is a silent danger — but it doesn’t have to be a silent killer,” Dr. Mikkineni stresses. “By raising awareness, recognising early signs, and taking preventive action, we can stop clots before they stop lives.”