Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Overview


Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition wherein blood clots are formed in veins located deep inside the body. These clots can partially or fully prevent blood circulation, giving rise to severe complications. Hence, upon noticing the symptoms, it is a must to visit the doctor right away for proper diagnosis and prompt treatment.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?


Also known as also called venous thrombosis, DVT is a disorder where blood clots are formed in the veins located deep inside the body. Although DVT is not severe, if left untreated, the blood clot can travel to the lungs resulting in pulmonary embolism (PE) which is fatal. Although it is asymptomatic at times, it is a must immediately visit a doctor upon witnessing symptoms such as chronic leg swelling, pooling of blood, increased pressure inside veins, leg ulcers, and discolouration of the skin.

Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)


Not every time, deep vein thrombosis is associated with prominent symptoms. However, a person suffering from this condition might experience swelling in the limb, cramping or soreness in the calf, leg pain, the skin colour of the leg turning red or purple, depending on the skin tone, abdominal pain or flank pain, enlargement of veins located just below the skin surface, severe headache or seizures, and a warm feeling in the affected limb region. Upon noticing such symptoms, one must visit a doctor immediately for prompt treatment.

Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)


The primary cause behind the development of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is damage to a vein that is responsible for carrying blood across different organs. This damage can result from inflammation, surgery, injury, and infection. It ultimately disrupts the normal flow and clotting of blood, resulting in the formation of a blood clot. However, many times there are no obvious reasons for the development of DVT.

Some of the risk factors associated with the development of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) include age above 60, lack of movement of the limbs, injury to the veins, recent surgery of veins, pregnancy, consumption of birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, Inflammatory bowel disease, genetics, smoking, cancer, heart failure, varicose veins, family history of DVT, and being overweight.

Diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)


There are various deep vein thrombosis diagnosis and test procedures that doctors recommend to confirm the development of DVT. These include:

D-dimer Blood Test: D dimer is a protein that the blood produces during the formation of clots. People suffering from DVT have an excess quantity of D dimer protein in their blood. Hence, this test helps in the detection of clots in the blood.

Duplex ultrasound: It is a standardised test for DVT diagnosis, wherein sound waves are used to create pictures of the pathway of blood flow through the veins. Here, the healthcare provider moves the transducer gently over the area under study. They can even use additional ultrasounds to check for new or grown blood clots.

MRI or CT scan: The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed tomography (CT) scan help view the veins to diagnose DVT occurring in the abdominal region.

Blood Tests: Doctors may often prescribe blood tests to check for activated protein C resistance, genetic mutations, Antithrombin III levels, complete blood count (CBC), antiphospholipid antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, and protein C and protein S levels as they indicate enhanced chances of blood clotting.

Venography: This invasive test is rarely used today to check for blood clots and complete or partial blockage of veins. Here, the healthcare provider numbs the skin and uses a catheter to inject a special dye into the veins to get a clear view of it.

Treatment for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)


Usually, to cure DVT, doctors prescribe the following treatment options:

Blood Thinners: Also known as anticoagulants, blood thinners help prevent clots from getting bigger and further reduce the chances of clot formation. Patients can take the medicine orally, intravenously, or inject it under the skin. The different types of anticoagulants available include heparin, warfarin, and oral Xa inhibitors.

Use of Filters: If a patient is unable to take the anticoagulants, the doctor may choose to place a filter in the vena cava (large vein) in the abdomen region. This vena cava filter can effectively prevent clot formation.

Clot Busters: Clot busters or thrombolytics are given to patients only when a patient has developed more serious types of PE or DVT. A catheter is used so that these drugs can directly reach the clot. This technique can result in severe bleeding and hence only people with severe clots are prescribed this treatment.

Support Stockings: These are special knee socks that help reduce swelling in the legs as well as prevent blood from pooling in that region. Patients should wear them at their knee level, typically during the day, over a few years.

Surgery: If the anticoagulants or other treatment options cannot deliver the desired outcome, the doctors may recommend surgery to effectively remove the blood clot from the lungs or veins.

Preventive Measures for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)


There are several preventive measures that people can take to minimise the risks of DVT. These include maintaining a healthy body weight, drinking adequate fluids to avoid dehydration, staying active or going for regular walks, not sitting for a long duration of time, avoiding alcohol consumption and smoking, not crossing legs when sitting, and so on.

If a person has developed DVT once in their lifetime, they will need to undertake certain measures that will help them prevent the recurrence of DVT in the future. These include taking medications on time, following up with the doctor regularly after treatment, and making certain lifestyle changes to stay physically fit and active.

Myths and Facts Related to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)


Following are some popular myths associated with DVT and the facts bursting them:

Myth 1: DVT only Develops in Old People
Fact: DVT can occur in young and healthy individuals as well if they are exposed to risk factors such as immobility, excess body weight, and other conditions.

Myth 2: DVT can Occur Only in Legs
Fact: Although DVT mostly occurs in the legs, people might notice their development in body parts such as the abdomen, arms, or pelvis.

Myth 3: DVT Won’t Reoccur Once Treated
Fact: Even after completely curing DVT, people are at risk of developing it the second time if the risk factors are not addressed and preventive measures are not undertaken.

Myth 4: DVT is Not a Serious Condition
Fact: One of the primary complications of DVT is pulmonary embolism which occurs as a blood clot. The spread of clots to the lungs can result in the death of an individual.

Myth 5: Regular Exercise Can Prevent DVT
Fact: Although exercise can reduce the risk of the development of DVT, it cannot completely rule out its occurrence in individuals.
What are the complications of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

Some of the complications associated with a delay in the treatment of DVT include pulmonary embolism that can prove to be fatal, varicose veins, constant or intermittent pain and swelling, changes in skin colour, and non-healing skin ulcers.

What are the treatment options for DVT occurring during pregnancy?
What should you do to recover faster from DVT?
What measures to taken to avoid DVT when travelling long distances?
How is a DVT different from superficial venous thrombosis?

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