Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the leg. DVT can cause swelling, pain, and redness in the affected leg. If left untreated, DVT can be serious, as the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of DVT are:
- Swelling in the affected leg or arm
- Pain or tenderness in the affected area
- Redness or warmth in the affected area
- Enlargement of the veins in the affected area
Other symptoms that may occur with DVT include:
- Fever
- Unexpected weight loss
- Persistent cough or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
What causes Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing DVT, including:
- Inactivity or bed rest: When you are inactive or bedridden, blood can pool in your veins and increase the risk of clotting.
- Surgery: Certain types of surgery, especially those involving the hip, pelvis, or knee, can increase the risk of DVT.
- Certain medical conditions: DVT is more common in people with cancer, heart disease, stroke, or lung disease.
- Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy, such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, can increase the risk of DVT.
- Pregnancy and childbirth: Pregnant women and those who have recently given birth are at increased risk of DVT.
- Age: The risk of DVT increases with age.
- Family history: If you have a family history of DVT or blood clotting disorders, you may be at increased risk.
- Obesity: Being obese or overweight can increase the risk of DVT.
- Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of DVT by damaging the lining of your veins and making it more difficult for your blood to flow properly.
- Long periods of travel: Sitting in one position for a long time, as during long flights or car trips, can increase the risk of DVT.
Who’s affected
There are several factors that can increase the likelihood of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein deep in the body, usually in the leg. These include:
- Being over the age of 60
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking tobacco
- Having a previous history of DVT
- Taking certain medications such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
- Having certain medical conditions like cancer or heart failure
- Having varicose veins
Diagnosing Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
There are several tests that can be used to diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These tests include:
- Physical examination: Your doctor will examine your legs and may look for swelling, tenderness, or discoloration.
- Doppler ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the blood flow in your veins. It can help your doctor see if there is a blood clot in your leg.
- Venography: This test involves injecting a dye into a vein in your foot and taking an X-ray to see if the dye moves freely through the veins in your leg. If the dye doesn’t flow freely, it may be because of a blood clot.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of your body. It can be used to look for blood clots in your veins.
- Blood tests: Your doctor may order blood tests to check for substances in your blood that may indicate the presence of a blood clot.
Treating Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
The main treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is anticoagulant medication, which is also known as blood thinners. These medications work by making it more difficult for blood to clot. They can help to prevent the blood clot from getting bigger and can also help to prevent new clots from forming.
- Some common anticoagulants used to treat DVT include:
- Warfarin: This is a pill that you take once or twice a day.
- Heparin: This medication can be given as a shot or through an IV.
Low molecular weight heparins: These medications can be given as a shot or through an IV. They work faster than regular heparin and can be given less often.
Your doctor will determine the best anticoagulant for you based on your specific needs. You will need to have frequent blood tests to check how well the medication is working.
In addition to anticoagulant medication, your doctor may also recommend wearing compression stockings, elevating your leg, and getting plenty of rest to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
If your DVT is severe or if you have a high risk of developing complications, your doctor may recommend additional treatment, such as a procedure to remove the blood clot or to insert a filter into a vein to help prevent pulmonary embolism.
Complications of Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can lead to several serious complications if it is not treated promptly. These complications include:
- Pulmonary embolism: If a piece of the blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, it can block a blood vessel and cause a pulmonary embolism. This can be life-threatening.
- Post-thrombotic syndrome: DVT can damage the valves in the veins and cause blood to pool in the leg. This can lead to swelling, pain, and a feeling of heaviness in the leg.
- Chronic venous insufficiency: DVT can cause scarring in the veins and lead to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition in which the veins have difficulty returning blood to the heart. This can cause swelling, skin changes, and ulcers in the leg.
- Recurrent DVT: If DVT is not treated properly, it can occur again in the future.
Preventing Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT):
- Stay active: Regular physical activity can help to improve blood flow in your legs and reduce the risk of DVT.
- Wear compression stockings: These special stockings can help to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of DVT.
- Lose weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of DVT. Losing weight through diet and exercise can help to reduce your risk.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can damage the lining of your veins and make it more difficult for your blood to flow properly. Quitting smoking can help to reduce your risk of DVT.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can increase the risk of DVT. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially when traveling or engaging in activities that may cause you to sweat.
- Avoid sitting for long periods of time: Sitting in one position for a long time can increase the risk of DVT. Try to get up and move around every hour or so.
- Take breaks on long trips: If you are going on a long trip, be sure to take breaks to stretch your legs and move around.
- Talk to your doctor about your risk: If you have any of the risk factors for DVT, such as a family history of DVT or a medical condition that increases your risk, talk to your doctor about what you can do to reduce your risk.