Does a GP consultation treat deep vein thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in a deep vein, often in the leg. A GP may ask when swelling, pain, warmth or colour change began, examine both legs and review factors such as recent surgery, immobility, pregnancy, cancer or previous clots. Because symptoms can have other causes, clinical assessment and testing are needed rather than relying on appearance alone. The GP may arrange same-day hospital assessment or testing, and treatment may begin when a clot is strongly suspected or confirmed.

Follow the referral instructions and do not delay testing to see whether the swelling settles. Take your current medicine list, mention bleeding problems and tell the clinician if you are pregnant or recently had surgery. Do not start someone else's blood-thinning medicine. If treatment is prescribed, take it exactly as directed and ask what to do if you miss a dose, develop bleeding or need a procedure. Keep follow-up appointments so the plan can be reviewed.

Call emergency services immediately for sudden breathlessness, chest pain that may worsen with breathing, coughing blood, fainting, severe weakness or a racing heartbeat, because a clot can travel to the lungs. Seek urgent assessment for new one-sided leg swelling, pain or warmth, particularly after prolonged immobility, surgery or childbirth. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or short of breath.

Ask how quickly you need testing, whether you should travel or walk while waiting, how prescribed anticoagulant treatment is monitored, which bleeding symptoms matter, and which chest or breathing symptoms require emergency help.