Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Veins are responsible for transporting the blood back to the heart. The leg veins comprises of superficial veins, which are closer to the skin, and deep veins, which lies deeper in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot forms in the deep veins. Deep vein thrombosis can happen at other parts of the body as well.
The clot prevents the blood from returning to the heart. The condition is very dangerous and is a medical emergency. If the blood clot breaks loose, it can travel up the vein, and causes a blockage in the lung. In the lung, it is known as pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism causes difficulty with breathing and can lead to death. Blood clots in the thighs are more like to travel to the lung, compared to blood clots in the legs.
Risk factors:
There are many risk factors for developing deep vein thrombosis including the following.
Blood or vein conditions:
Symptoms:
Not all patients with deep vein thrombosis have symptoms. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your foot and ankle specialist, or seek emergency treatment.
Diagnosis:
Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis can be similar to other conditions such muscle ache, infections, fractures or arthritis. If deep vein thrombosis is suspected, blood test, Doppler ultrasound, venogram, MRI or angiogram may be ordered.
Treatment:
Once deep vein thrombosis is confirmed, the location of the clot may dictate the type of treatment. Hospitalization might be necessary. Treatment can include the following:
Complications:
As previously mentioned, development of pulmonary embolism is a serious complication of deep vein thrombosis. Symptoms of pulmonary embolism includes:
Other complications of deep vein thrombosis include injury to the vein, which can lead to future blood clot at the site or venous dysfunction such as venous insufficiency.
Preventative measures:
In order to decrease the risk factors associated with deep vein thrombosis, the patient should perform the following:
Veins are responsible for transporting the blood back to the heart. The leg veins comprises of superficial veins, which are closer to the skin, and deep veins, which lies deeper in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot forms in the deep veins. Deep vein thrombosis can happen at other parts of the body as well.
The clot prevents the blood from returning to the heart. The condition is very dangerous and is a medical emergency. If the blood clot breaks loose, it can travel up the vein, and causes a blockage in the lung. In the lung, it is known as pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism causes difficulty with breathing and can lead to death. Blood clots in the thighs are more like to travel to the lung, compared to blood clots in the legs.
Risk factors:
There are many risk factors for developing deep vein thrombosis including the following.
Blood or vein conditions:
- Previous DVT
- Varicose veins
- Blood clotting disorders
- Family history of DVT or blood clotting disorders
- Heart disease
- Chronic swelling of the legs
- Obesity
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Cancer
- Dehydration
- Sepsis
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Birth control pills containing estrogen
- Pregnancy or recent childbirth
- Age over 40 years old
- Immobility (through inactivity or from wearing a cast)
- Recent surgery
- Trauma (an injury)
- Smoking
Symptoms:
Not all patients with deep vein thrombosis have symptoms. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your foot and ankle specialist, or seek emergency treatment.
- Swelling in the leg
- Pain in the calf or thigh
- Warmth and redness of the leg
Diagnosis:
Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis can be similar to other conditions such muscle ache, infections, fractures or arthritis. If deep vein thrombosis is suspected, blood test, Doppler ultrasound, venogram, MRI or angiogram may be ordered.
Treatment:
Once deep vein thrombosis is confirmed, the location of the clot may dictate the type of treatment. Hospitalization might be necessary. Treatment can include the following:
- Medication. A blood thinner is usually prescribed to prevent further blood clot from forming.
- Compression stocking. This can decrease pain and swelling.
- Surgery. Procedures might be warranted and performed by a vascular surgeon.
Complications:
As previously mentioned, development of pulmonary embolism is a serious complication of deep vein thrombosis. Symptoms of pulmonary embolism includes:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- A fleeting of impending doom
Other complications of deep vein thrombosis include injury to the vein, which can lead to future blood clot at the site or venous dysfunction such as venous insufficiency.
Preventative measures:
In order to decrease the risk factors associated with deep vein thrombosis, the patient should perform the following:
- Exercise the legs regularly
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids; avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Consider wearing compression stockings.