Deep vein thrombosis is a severe or life-threatening condition caused by clot development in a deep vein. The deep veins of the legs, arms, and pelvis are the most common sites of deep vein thrombosis.
A pulmonary embolism is a potentially lethal complication of deep vein thrombosis wherein the clot might prevent blood from reaching the lungs. This can be catastrophic.
Therefore, recognizing the signs and getting medical help right away are the two most crucial things to do if you fear you have developed deep vein thrombosis. Signs of deep vein thrombosis are common and include:
Swelling: One of the most common signs of DVT is swelling in the affected leg. The swelling may be sudden and severe.
Pain: DVT can cause pain in the affected leg. The pain may be sharp or aching and may worsen when you walk or stand.
Warmth: The affected leg may feel warm to the touch.
Redness: The skin over the affected vein may appear red or discoloured.
Tenderness: The affected area may be tender or painful to the touch.
Shortness of breath: If the blood clot travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, which can cause shortness of breath, coughing and chest pain.
There are several risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Some common risk factors include:
Inactivity or immobility: Being immobile for extended periods, such as during long plane rides or hospital stays, can increase the risk of DVT.
Age: DVT risk rises with age.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese raises the probability of developing DVT.
Hormone therapy or birth control: Some forms of hormone therapy and birth control can increase the risk of DVT, particularly in women who smoke or have other risk factors.
Surgery: Surgery of the pelvis or lower extremities can increase the risk of DVT.
Cancer: Some cancers and cancer treatments can increase the risk of blood clots, including DVT.
Smoking: Smoking can damage the lining of blood vessels, increasing the risk of DVT.
Inherited blood clotting disorders: Some people have an increased risk of DVT due to an inherited disorder that affects blood clotting.
Having one or more risk factors for DVT does not mean that you will develop the condition. However, if you have any risk factors for DVT, you should be aware of the condition's signs and symptoms and take steps to reduce your risk.
Travelling can increase the risk of developing DVT, especially if you are sitting for long periods of time, such as during a long flight or car ride. However, it may be possible to travel with DVT in some cases. Still, you will need to take certain precautions to reduce the risk of complications.
Some precautions may include wearing compression stockings, taking medication to prevent blood clots, and moving around and stretching your legs regularly during the journey.
However, it is essential to note that travelling with DVT can still be risky and may not be recommended in some cases. Your doctor can provide personalized advice based on your individual health status and travel plans.
Since anticoagulants and blood thinners prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism, they are frequently used to treat deep vein thrombosis. However, these methods cannot remove clots that have already developed. Nonetheless, they help stop more outbreaks from happening.
Blood thinners that are commonly used to treat DVT include:
Warfarin: An oral drug that acts by interfering with the creation of particular proteins required for blood coagulation.
Heparin: This drug, which can be administered through injection or IV, acts by suppressing the function of certain blood clotting factors.
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC): Drugs that are taken orally and function by decreasing the activity of specific blood clotting factors. Examples include edobaxan, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, and apixaban.
DVT treatments may include the use of compression stockings in addition to blood thinners to enhance circulation in the affected leg and avoid oedema.
If the patient cannot take blood thinners, an IVC filter may be implanted. A catheter is inserted into the patient's neck or groin to reach the IVC, where a filter is placed. The filter may stop a DVT fragment from reaching the lungs by capturing it in the inferior vena cava.
IVC filters are frequently used as a temporary measure to prevent a pulmonary embolism while the patient is undergoing treatment for DVT with blood thinners. When therapy for DVT is successful, the IVC filter can be removed. However, a surgical procedure to remove the clot may be required in severe cases.