Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein. Deep vein thrombosis symptoms may include pressure sensitivity, skin reddening, or lower leg swelling.
What is Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot clogs a vessel. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) appears in one of the large veins located deep in the muscle layers. Typically, DVT occurs in the lower leg.
Time and again, deep vein thrombosis goes unnoticed and goes away on its own. However, sometimes symptoms such as pain and swelling occur. Discovered deep vein thrombosis must be treated to prevent serious complications such as pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism occurs if a blood clot breaks from where it formed and travels through the bloodstream to the lung.
The risk of deep vein thrombosis increases after major surgery, such as an artificial knee or hip replacement. Therefore, after such interventions, drugs are prescribed for some time to prevent the formation of blood clots.
What are Deep Vein Thrombosis Symptoms?
The assertion of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a pain in the leg or hip. Patients often also complain of pressure sensitivity, a feeling of fullness, and skin redness. In addition, the temperature may rise, and swelling of the affected area may appear. However, sometimes DVT is asymptomatic.
What Causes Deep Vein Thrombosis?
The formation of a blood clot and thrombosis can lead to a slowdown in blood flow, a violation of blood clotting, or damage to the vascular walls.
The Following are Possible Causes:
- Prolonged bed rest, for example, in a hospital after a fracture or injury. In people who have to lie down for longer and have limited mobility, blood circulation in the legs worsens.
- Blood clotting disorders. Some congenital diseases increase blood clotting.
- Major surgeries and injuries. With serious interventions and severe injuries, blood vessels are damaged, and the blood coagulation system is activated.
What Factors Increase the Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is caused by certain factors, which are listed below:
- age over 60;
- family predisposition (DVT was observed in brothers, sisters, or parents);
- certain cancers;
- heart failure;
- severe overweight (obesity);
- taking oral contraceptives;
- taking hormonal drugs during menopause.
However, these factors individually increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis only to a small extent.
How Common is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Discomfort-causing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) develops on average in about one in 1,000 people annually. The risk increases with age. Women suffer from DVT slightly less frequently than men.
What are the Consequences of Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Often a few weeks or months after thrombosis, post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) occur. It can develop if, as a result of thrombosis, the walls of the vessel or the venous valves’ walls have been damaged, leading to a constant stagnation of blood in the vein.
Signs of PTS include leg swelling, pain, and a feeling of heaviness. Changes in skin color, itching, and rashes are also possible. In severe post-thrombotic syndrome, a chronic wound may develop.
How to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Several measures can help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). For people who have to stay in bed longer due to surgery or injury, getting up and moving as soon as possible is essential. Doing light exercises, such as shaking your legs, also makes sense. This helps improve blood circulation.
Antithrombotic (compression) stockings may be helpful as they fit snugly around the legs and compress them, which allows blood to return to the heart faster and reduces the risk of DVT. Also, sometimes treatment with drugs that reduce blood clotting is used. These can be taken by injection or orally.
To consult more about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), schedule an online appointment at the USA Vein Clinic today.
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