Everything You Need To Know About Deep Vein Thrombosis

When we cut ourselves, we develop a blood clot that helps to seal the wound and stop the bleeding. After the clot has done its job, it eventually dissolves and disappears. But what happens when a blood clot doesn’t dissolve?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when one or more blood clots develop in the deep veins of the body, often in the legs. Deep veins are found far inside the body and are much larger than the small veins found close to the surface of your skin. Approximately 2 million Americans are diagnosed with this condition every year.

Since veins carry blood directly back to the heart, it’s incredibly dangerous when a clot, or thrombosis, develops and blocks a deep vein. The greatest risk is that the clot will break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.

Medical conditions that alter the way your blood clots can cause DVT. It can also develop from lack of movement, such as during a long flight. It is one of the reasons why a patient is encouraged to walk around in the days following surgery. Pregnancy can also be a risk factor.

Early Signs and Symptoms

DVT clots commonly form in the groin, behind the knee and in the calf. Sometimes there are no notable symptoms. Other times, the following signs and symptoms may occur.

• Swelling in the leg
• Sweating
• Leg pain in your calf that feels like a charley horse, cramping, or soreness
• Red, blue or discolored skin on the leg
• Skin that feels warm to the touch

Signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening complication of DVT, include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Rapid pulse and/or breathing

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help right away.

Prevention

There are a number of measures you can take to prevent DVT. Some simple ways include:

• Exercise – Maintain good circulation with regular exercise.
• Movement – Get up and move after sitting for more than two hours. Physical activity helps prevent blood from pooling in the legs.
• Don’t Smoke – Smoking increases your chance of developing DVT.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes when travelling – Comfortable, baggy clothing helps avoid compromising your circulation.
• Know your family history – If you have family members who have experienced DVT, make sure you tell your doctor. Always mention it if you need medical attention at a hospital.

Treatment Options

Treatment choices focus on meeting three main objectives.

1. Inhibit any further enlargement of the clot
2. Keep the clot from moving to the lungs
3. Lower the risk of future deep vein thrombosis

Treatment may include:

• Compression stockings support and put pressure on the legs to prevent blood from pooling and clotting.
• Blood thinners prevent the existing clots from getting bigger or more clots more developing.
• Thrombolytics are placed directly into the clot to break it up.
• Filters may be placed into a large vein to prevent a clot from making its way to the lungs.

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious, but often treatable problem, provided you can prevent a pulmonary embolism. Almost three-quarters of Americans who have been diagnosed had never previously heard of it. Knowing what it is and how to prevent it may keep you from ever having to experience it.

If you suspect that you have deep vein thrombosis, seek medical attention right away. It can save your life. In the meantime, keep moving and take precautions. In fact, take a minute right now to stand up and walk around. It can be as easy as that!