Deep Vein Thrombosis(DVT)

 Deep vein thrombosis refers to a blood clot that develops inside a larger vein -- usually deep within the lower leg or thigh. DVT strikes about half a million Americans every year and causes up to 100,000 deaths. The danger is that part of the clot can break off and travel through the bloodstream, where it can lodge in the lungs causing a blockage in blood flow, organ damage, and death.
 Symptoms 

Unfortunately, DVT often goes unnoticed. About half of people with DVT have no warning signs. Symptoms may include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Tenderness or pain

These happen in the area of the blood clot, which is usually the leg (notice the swelling in the leg below the right knee seen here).

Dangers of DVT: Pulmonary Embolism

If part of the clot breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream, the results can be life-threatening. A clot that blocks the blood supply to the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism. Symptoms include trouble breathing, low blood pressure, fainting, faster heart rate, chest pain, and coughing up blood. If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 and seek immediate emergency care.

Causes DVT- Anything that damages the inner lining of a vein may cause DVT, including surgery, injury, or an immune system response. Blood that is thick or flows too slowly is more likely to form a clot, especially in a vein that is already damaged. Other things that raise the risk for blood clotting include genetic disorders, hormone changes, and sitting for long periods of time (such as when flying).

 

People with a higher risk of DVT include:

• People who have cancer
• People who have had surgery
• Anyone on extended bed rest
• The elderly
• Smokers
• Long-distance travelers
• People who are overweight or obese

Women have a greater risk of developing DVT during pregnancy and the four to six weeks after giving birth. This is due to higher levels of estrogen, which may make blood easier to clot. The pressure of an expanding uterus can also slow blood flow of the veins as well. Certain blood disorders can boost the risk even more.

 Like pregnancy, hormonal birth control and postmenopausal hormone therapy change blood chemistry and may increase risk of DVT, even in women who don't have blood disorders.

 Traveling to new and faraway places can be exciting. Squishing into a coach seat for a long international flight is not. Studies show long-distance travel lasting more than four hours doubles the risk of developing DVT. This includes travel by air, bus, train, or car. Not moving around in these cramped conditions can cause sluggish blood flow. 

Diagnosing DVT-
An ultrasound is most often used to diagnose DVT. It uses sound waves to create a picture of blood flow in the affected area and can reveal a clot. Before recommending an ultrasound, your health care provider will examine you and check for signs of DVT. Other tests, including a blood test called a D-Dimer, may also be useful in diagnosing DVT. You may be asked about your medical history, medications you are taking, family history, and about any other factors that could raise your risk of DVT.

Treatment- Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants, which make the blood thinner, are the most common DVT treatment. They are taken as a pill or by injection. They can’t break up an existing clot, but they prevent new blood clots from forming, giving the body time to dissolve the clot on its own.

Clot Busters

Medications that actually dissolve blood clots are called thrombolytics. They can cause sudden, severe bleeding, so they are used only in emergencies: for example, to dissolve a life-threatening blood clot that's traveled to the lungs and is causing severe symptoms. Thrombolytics are given by IV in a hospital.

Side Effects of DVT Medications

Because anticoagulants thin the blood, people who take them may get bruises often or bleed more easily. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening, so if you take an anticoagulant, your doctor can test your blood to make sure it's not too thin. Some newer medications do not require routine lab monitoring of their blood-thinning effect.

Warning Signs of Internal Bleeding

Signs of internal bleeding in the belly include pain, vomit that is red or looks like coffee grounds, and bright red or black stools. Bleeding in the brain can cause severe headache or symptoms of stroke such as vision changes, abnormal movement, and confusion. Call 911 and go to the emergency room if you develop any of these symptoms. Also check with your health care provider if you bleed a lot from minor injuries.

Treating DVT: Compression Stockings

Compression stockings apply pressure to keep the blood in the legs from pooling and clotting. They reduce swelling and help relieve discomfort in a leg where a clot has already formed. You can get compression stockings over the counter or by prescription. Prescription stockings provide greater pressure.

Treating DVT: Home Care

To reduce swelling and discomfort, keep the affected leg raised when possible. If your doctor has recommended compression stockings, be sure to wear them even when you're at home.

Long-Term Complications of DVT

Once a blood clot is gone, DVT sometimes leaves behind an unpleasant calling card. You may have long-term swelling, changes in skin color, and pain where the clot was. These symptoms, known as post-thrombotic syndrome, sometimes show up even a year after the clot.

Preventing DVT: Exercise

Being active increases blood flow, keeping it from pooling and clotting. Exercising the lower leg muscles in particular can help prevent DVT. When you're not active -- at your desk, for example -- take breaks to stretch your legs. Get up and walk around if you can. Frequent exercise also reduces the risk of obesity, which contributes to DVT risk.
 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.








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