DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT)

What Is DVT?

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms inside a vein, usually deep within your leg. Many people do get this and die because of it. The danger is that part of the clot can break off and travel through your bloodstream. It could get stuck in your lungs and block blood flow, causing organ damage or death.

Symptoms

Normally there will be a swelling below the knee with redness and tenderness or pain in the area of the clot. Sadly not all have this system, many don't  have any warning signs.

Pulmonary Embolism

This is a clot that moves into your lungs and blocks the blood supply. It can cause trouble breathing, low blood pressure, fainting, a faster heart rate, chest pain, and coughing up blood. If you have any of these,  get medical care right away.

Causes Of DVT

Anything that damages the inner lining of a vein may cause DVT -- surgery, an injury, or your immune system. If your blood is thick or flows slowly, it's more likely to form a clot, especially in a vein that's already damaged. People who have certain genetic disorders or more estrogen in their system are more at risk for blood clots, too.
Some people with a higher risk are those who:
Have cancer
Have had surgery
Are on extended bed rest
Are older
Smokers
Obese
Sit for long times during travel- in a flight, train, bus or even car, and also sitting cramped without much space to move your legs.

Pregnancy

Women are more likely to develop DVT during pregnancy and the 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth. That's when they have higher levels of estrogen, which may make blood clot more easily. The pressure of their expanding uterus can slow blood flow in the veins as well. Certain blood disorders can boost their risk even more.

Hormone Therapy

Birth control pills and some treatments for postmenopausal symptoms raise the amount of estrogen in a woman's blood. That can increase her risk of DVT, even if she doesn't have a blood disorder.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will check you for signs of DVT and ask about your medical history, medications you're taking, medical problems of close relatives, and things that put you at risk. An ultrasound is the most common way to confirm a diagnosis. It uses sound waves to "see" the blood flow and reveal a clot. You might also need  a blood test called a d-dimer.

Treatment with blood thinners

Drugs called anticoagulants or blood thinners are the most common way to treat DVT. They don't really thin your blood but make it less "sticky" to prevent new blood clots from forming. They can't break up a clot you already have, but they will give your body time to dissolve one on its own.

Ill effects of Blood thinners
Only ill effect of blood thinner is when you get hurt, you bleed more, so you've to be very careful and see that you don't bruise easily. Blood thinners can also make it easier to bleed inside your body, where you can't see it. Bleeding in your belly can cause pain, vomit that's red or looks like coffee grounds, and bright red or black stools. Bleeding in your brain can cause severe headaches, vision changes, unnatural movements, and confusion. Call  and go to the emergency room if you notice any of these symptoms.

Vena Cava Filter

If  blood thinners aren't working, your doctor may recommend putting a filter into your biggest vein, called the vena cava. This filter catches breakaway clots and stops them from getting into your lungs and heart. It won't stop new clots from forming or cure DVT, but it can help prevent a dangerous pulmonary embolism.

Clot Busters Medications for life threatening clots only

Medications that dissolve blood clots are called thrombolytics. They can cause sudden, severe bleeding, so doctors use them only in emergencies -- to dissolve a life-threatening blood clot in your lung, for example. You get thrombolytics by IV in a hospital.

Compression Stockings

These special socks put gentle pressure on your legs to keep your blood moving. They can help prevent clots from forming as well as reduce swelling and relieve discomfort in a leg where a clot has already formed. You can get compression stockings over the counter, but your doctor will need to write a prescription for ones with more pressure. Wear them at home, while you're awake and on the move.

Prevention

Whenever possible while sitting keep your feet resting off the floor to raise your legs. You'll make it easier for the blood in your veins to flow up toward your heart. This can lessen the swelling and discomfort in the leg with DVT.

Use your muscles to promote blood flow. Work your lower leg muscles especially. When you're not active -- at your desk, for example -- take breaks to stretch your legs. Stand up. Step away for a bit.
Regular exercise also helps keep you at a healthy weight, and that lowers your risk, too.

 When you travel for more than 4 hours, avoid tight clothing and drink plenty of water. Get up and walk around at least every couple of hours. If you have to stay in your seat, stretch and move your legs. Try clenching and releasing your calves and thighs, or lifting and lowering your heels with your toes on the floor. Try walking around and do some exercise once you arrive at the destination.

 Effects Of DVT
Once a blood clot is gone, you may see long-term swelling or changes in skin color where the clot was. Or it could hurt. These symptoms, known as post-thrombotic syndrome, sometimes show up as much as a year after the clot had gone.

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.
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