Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis, commonly referred to as “DVT,” occurs when a blood clot or thrombus, develops in the large veins of the legs or pelvic area. Some DVTs may cause no pain, whereas others can be quite painful. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, the majority of DVT’s are not life threatening. However, a blood clot that forms in the invisible “deep veins” can be life threatening. A clot that forms in the large, deep veins is more likely to break free and travel through the vein. It is then called an embolus. When an embolus travels from the legs or pelvic areas and lodges in a lung artery, the condition is known as a “pulmonary embolism,” or PE, a potentially fatal condition if not immediately diagnosed and treated
Deep vein thrombosis, commonly referred to as “DVT,” occurs
when a blood clot or thrombus, develops in the large veins
of the legs or pelvic area. Some DVTs may cause no pain,
whereas others can be quite painful. With prompt diagnosis and
treatment, the majority of DVT’s are not life threatening. However, a blood clot that forms in the invisible “deep veins” can
be life threatening. A clot that forms in the large, deep veins is
more likely to break free and travel through the vein. It is then
called an embolus. When an embolus travels from the legs or
pelvic areas and lodges in a lung artery, the condition is known
as a “pulmonary embolism,” or PE, a potentially fatal condition
if not immediately diagnosed and treated
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Deep Vein Thrombosis – DVT
Explained
Deep Vein Thrombosis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. The failure
to get treatment can result in fatal complications. It is the condition that occurs when a blood clot
forms inside your vein. The clump of blood in the solid-state deep inside the body can trigger pain and
discomfort.
DVT Treatment
Symptoms of DVT
In normal cases, the deep vein blood clots form in your lower leg or in your thigh. But, it can also
develop on other body parts. But, the common symptoms associated with the DVT are:
Swelling in the leg, ankle, or foot (usually on one side)
Cramping pain on the affected leg
Unexplained, severe pain in the ankle and foot region
Warmer skin compared to the other area
Affected area turns a pale/reddish/bluish color
Causes of DVT
DVT is triggered by the blood clot that interrupts with the blood circulation. The clot that usually
forms in the vein can occur due to several reasons like:
Injury
The physical damage to your blood vessel’s wall can affect the blood flow. It can either narrow or
block the blood flow resulting in a blood clot.
Surgery
If you undergo any surgery, then it increases your chances of developing a blood clot. It is due to the
fact that the blood vessels can get damaged during the invasive procedure. The bed rest after surgery
can also increase your risk of developing a blood clot. The restriction of movement can result in the
condition.
Inactivity Or Reduced Mobility
The sedentary lifestyle can put you at risk of getting the blood clots. When you sit at the same place
for a long period of time, the blood can collect in your lower body parts. The restriction of movement
for extended periods of time can slow down the blood flow. So, it results in the blood clot
development.
Medications
Some medication can have the side-effect of causing blood clots. So, it increases your risk of getting
DVT.
DVT Medical Treatment
DVT is a serious medical condition that you need to talk to your doctor immediately. Visit your
nearest hospital when you experience the symptoms of DVT. The most common treatment options
offered by the doctors are:
Medications
Your doctor can provide blood thinners to prevent the blood clot. The blood thinners can decrease the
chances of development of clots and keep the existing clot to a small size.
Compression Stockings
You can wear the compression stockings to prevent the swelling on your legs. It can also lower the
chances of developing clots.
Filters
Your doctor can place a filter inside your vena cava (the largest abdominal vein). The treatment is
ideal for patients who cannot take blood thinners. The treatment can stop clots from reaching your
lungs and avoids pulmonary embolisms.
Surgery
If your blood clots are large or cause serious complications like tissue damage, then your doctor
recommends surgery. The invasive procedure locates the clots and removes it. The surgeon also
repairs the affected tissue and blood vessel during the procedure. Various types of Surgical Treatment
including invasive and non-invasive offered by the surgeons for the DVT Treatment. A good healthy
lifestyle with nutritious diet and good physical exercise can prevent the DVT. So, implementing the
simple steps can avoid any life-threatening complications. It prevents the possibility of getting blood
clots.