Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a form of venous disease and represents a serious venous condition characterized by the formation of a blood clot deep within a vein and oftentimes in your leg. The danger of a DVT lies with the risk of the blood clot detaching and traveling through the vascular system to the lungs, which results in a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a lung artery is suddenly blocked, resulting in a life-threatening condition. Most DVTs happen in your lower extremities such as in leg and primarily in your calf, however, a DVT can develop in different areas of your body including the thigh, hip and abdominal region, or the arm. Every year up to 800,000 Americans suffer from a DVT, with more than half of these cases resulting in hospitalization.

Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis

A deep vein thrombosis can be characterized as being caused by an overall decrease in the level of blood flow within a deep vein. This reduction of blood flow generally occurs due to long periods of inactivity, or as the result of damage to the vein itself. A deep vein thrombosis can develop after an injury or surgery which affects the vein, or the resulting hospital stay where the patient remains inactive during recovery. Reduced blood flow within a deep vein can also occur simply as the result of a lengthy period of inactivity or sitting, such as during long-distance travel.

Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis

The symptoms of having a deep vein thrombosis can develop suddenly or with time, and can range from being mild to even having no symptoms at all. As a DVT forms, some of the potential symptoms which may develop in the affected area include:

• pain or tenderness
• swelling in your leg
• a sensation of warmth in the area of the swelling or pain
• discoloration of the skin
• appearance of larger-than-normal veins near the surface of the skin

As previously stated, symptoms of having a deep vein thrombosis may not appear or become noticeable until the clot which forms within the deep vein has broken off and has traveled from the affected limb or region to the lung, causing a pulmonary embolism. When a pulmonary embolism occurs, you may experience symptoms such as:

• severe headache or vision changes
• chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness or fainting
• coughing with blood
• stroke-like symptoms, including seizures

How Is Deep Vein Thrombosis Treated

The treatment for deep vein thrombosis is done to keep the blot clot from becoming bigger or breaking off, and to help reduce the risk of developing another blood clot. A comprehensive treat plan will likely include the use of medicines and compression garments.

Medications

Medications used to treat a deep vein thrombosis include those used to alleviate pain, blood thinners that reduce the blood's ability to clot as well as medicines that actively work to break up the blood clot.

Compression Garments

Compression garments such as compression stockings or compression wraps create pressure in the leg which helps to keep the blood flow moving and prevent the blood from pooling and clotting. The gradient compression provided by these compression garments also help reduce swelling associated with having a DVT.

How Can Deep Vein Thrombosis Be Prevented

There are several easy ways to help prevent the development of a deep vein thrombosis, including:

• maintaining an active lifestyle
• exercise, such as walking
• avoiding standing or sitting for lengthy periods
• remaining hydrated
• following a nutritious diet
• wearing compression stockings for travel