Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) takes place when a blood clot, also called a thrombus, forms in the deep veins in the body, typically in the legs. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) can cause swelling or pain in the legs, but it is often asymptomatic, which can lead to secondary complications due to a lack of diagnosis of the condition. This condition can happen to those who are very sedentary, travelling, or who can’t move around a lot due to an illness or injury.
This condition can be very serious because the clots that are formed in Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) can break free and travel through the bloodstream to block blood flow to the heart or the lungs.
In some patients, there are no symptoms associated with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The most common symptoms that patients notice are:
When there are no symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), and a clot breaks free, a patient might present with symptoms of a heart attack or a stroke without having ever experienced the other symptoms in the above list.
When the lungs are affected by a clot that has broken loose, patients might experience shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, faint, feel dizzy or lightheaded, have a rapid pulse, cough up blood, or experience rapid breathing.
The main cause of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is damage or inflammation in a deep vein in the leg due to surgery or injury to the legs. Patients with bleeding disorders or those who are bedridden due to illness or surgery are also much more likely to suffer from Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
The risk factors for this condition are:
Diagnosis of DVT before a clot causes a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism, is done through a variety of tests. A D-dimer blood test can be done to look for specific proteins in the blood that cause clots. Duplex ultrasound and venography will also usually be done to locate blood clots in the body. An MRI can also be used to diagnose DVT in veins in the abdomen.
Prevention of DVT includes being sure to get enough exercise and to move around throughout the day. You will also need to make sure that you stop smoking and that you keep your weight under control. If you are travelling, be sure to stand up and walk around every half hour if you can. If not, lifting your legs and bending your knees or raising and lowering your heels can help prevent DVT.
Treatment of DVT includes preventing existing clots from getting bigger, making sure that clots don’t break free and impact the heart and lungs, and reducing the chances of another DVT. Patients are often given blood thinners to help prevent clotting. You might also be given clot-buster drugs to help break up a clot and safely remove it from the veins in your legs. Filters can also be placed in the vena cava, a large vein in the abdomen, which allows clots to be filtered out by the body before they can impact the heart and lungs.
Compression stockings are also recommended for those who suffer from DVT any time that they need to sit or lie down for extended periods of time.