In DVT, there is the potential danger of a blood clot breaking free and travelling with the blood stream. As a consequence, the clot is able to reach the heart. From there, it can be transported to the arteries of the lungs, where it may become stuck in the smaller vessels, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).
References:
Goldhaber SZ, Morrison RB. Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis. Circulation 2002; 106: 1436-38
Spencer FA, Emercy C, Lessard D, et al. The Worcester Venous Thromboembolism study: a populationbased study of the clinical epidemiology of venous thromboembolism. J Gen Intern Med. 2006; 21: 722-27
Goldhaber SZ. Pulmonary Embolism. N Engl J Med 1998; 339: 93-104
Prandoni P, Lensing AW, Cogo A, et al. The long-term clinical course of acute deep vein thrombosis. Ann Intern Med 1996; 125(1): 1-7
