Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Complete Guide

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition where a clot forms in a vein deep within the body. Most commonly, DVT occurs in the leg – lower leg, pelvis, or thigh region. It is possible that it can occur in any other part of the body. Deep vein thrombosis leg is not a condition to be ignored. There is a risk of death due to this condition. We explore all facts about DVT and its treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

The most common DVT sign is an enlarged vein. Other symptoms that can be seen include:

• Swelling in the leg.
• Pain or cramps in the leg that starts in the calf region.
• Discoloration of the skin on the leg. The skin color can turn red or blue.
• A feeling of warmth in the affected area is another DVT sign.

DVT can cause serious complications. The blood clot in the vein may break loose. If that happens, there is a possibility of the clot moving to the lungs. When that happens, it can block the flow of blood to the lungs. It is a condition known as pulmonary embolism; and is serious. Signs of pulmonary embolism include chest pain, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and coughing blood. These are serious symptoms, and if not treated on time, it can be fatal.

Causes of DVT

DVT is a clot formed in the veins. It can happen for various reasons. For example, if you sit still for a long time without moving, the lack of blood flow can cause a clot. For example, if you remain seated for hours together on a flight or are confined to your bed due to illness, you are at risk of developing a clot in the veins.

Inflammation and damage to the veins can be caused by injuries. This can lead to a clot developing. Any injury or inflammation in the veins that happens during a surgery can also cause DVT. When smooth blood flow is affected, it can cause a clot, leading to deep vein thrombosis leg.

Risk and Prevention

You can be at risk of developing DVT if:

1. You are older than 60.
2. You are pregnant.
3. You have an injury to the veins.
4. You are obese or overweight.
5. You smoke.
6. You have heart failure.
7. You take birth control pills.
8. You have cancer.
9. You have a family history of DVT.

Deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis is possible to prevent patients from getting this condition. Wearing compression stockings can help prevent clots from forming. It is important to keep moving while on long flights; or while taking bed rest. Giving up smoking and losing weight are other ways of preventing DVT.

Diagnosing DVT

The doctor carries out a physical examination of the leg area to determine if the patient has deep vein thrombosis leg. The D-dimer blood test may be used to diagnose DVT since the condition causes an increase of the D-dimer protein in the blood. Duplex ultrasound and MRI are other diagnostic tests that may be used to diagnose DVT.

DVT Treatment

Once the condition is diagnosed, prompt DVT treatment is needed. The first priority of the doctor will be to prevent the clot from moving to the lungs. The doctor will also try to ensure the clot does not enlarge or new clots are not formed. For this deep vein thrombosis drugs are used.

Blood thinners are given to prevent existing clots from enlarging. These deep vein thrombosis drugs can also prevent new clots from forming. Where the patient is at risk of developing pulmonary embolism, clot busting drugs (thrombolytics) are used to treat the clot.

For some patients, a filter may be placed in the stomach vein to prevent the clot from moving to the lungs. Compression stocking should be worn by the patient to prevent blood from accumulating in the veins.

Conclusion

Deep vein thrombosis leg is a serious condition that can be fatal. It is important to see a doctor if you have any of the symptoms. Timely DVT treatment can help in treating this condition. Ensure that you take deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis measures to prevent DVT.