DVT ( Deep vein thrombosis )

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
DVT occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs.

It is a serious condition because blood clots can break loose, travel through the bloodstream, and lodge in the lungs, blocking blood flow (Pulmonary Embolism).

Symptoms

About half of people with DVT have no symptoms at all. When they do occur, they include:

• Swelling: Usually in one leg.
• Pain: Often starts in the calf and feels like cramping or soreness.
• Redness: Discoloration or red patches on the skin.
• Warmth: The affected area feels warmer than the surrounding skin.

Causes & Risk Factors

Anything that prevents your blood from circulating or clotting normally can cause a DVT. Common risks include:

• Immobility: Being confined to a bed (hospital stay) or sitting for long periods (long flights/drives). When calf muscles don't move, blood flow slows down.
• Surgery or Injury: Damage to veins can trigger clotting.
• Pregnancy: Increases pressure in the veins of the pelvis and legs.
• Hormones: Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.
• Obesity: Increases pressure on veins.

Complications

⚠️ EMERGENCY: PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE)
If a clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, it can be fatal. Seek immediate help if you experience:

• Sudden shortness of breath.
• Chest pain that worsens when taking a deep breath.
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
• Coughing up blood.

Postphlebitic Syndrome

Damage to the veins from the clot can cause long-term pain, swelling, and skin discoloration years after the DVT has healed.

Diagnosis

Doctors use specific tests to confirm a clot:

• Ultrasound: The standard test. Uses sound waves to visualize blood flow and detect clots.
• D-Dimer Blood Test: Measures a substance released when a clot breaks up. High levels suggest a clot.
• Venography: Injecting dye into a vein to see it on an X-ray (less common now).

Treatment

1. Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants)

These drugs prevent clots from getting bigger and stop new ones from forming. Common options include Heparin (injected), Warfarin (pill), or newer drugs like Xarelto.

2. Clot Busters (Thrombolytics)

Used only in severe, life-threatening cases. These drugs break up the clot directly but carry a high risk of bleeding.

3. Compression Stockings

Tight stockings worn on the legs to reduce swelling and prevent blood from pooling. They are often worn for 2 years after a DVT to prevent Postphlebitic Syndrome.

4. Vena Cava Filters

If you cannot take blood thinners, a filter is inserted into the large vein in your abdomen to catch clots before they reach the lungs.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.