Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a condition in which a blood clot, or thrombus, occurs in a vein that is deep in the body. Most commonly DVT occurs in the legs.
Causes of DVT
Most patients with DVT are over the age of 60, but the condition can occur at any age. Some causes that result in DVT may include:
- Long periods of bed rest or inactivity
- Pressure from pregnancy or obesity
- Inherited conditions
- Vein damage
- Reactions to medication
- Hormone replacement or birth control
- Smoking
- Certain cancer treatments
Symptoms of DVT
About half of all DVT cases are present without symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Pain at the site
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
- Swelling along the vein
- Redness or discoloration of the skin
- Warmth to the touch
Diagnosis of DVT
Your physician will check your blood pressure, breathing, and heart sounds and do a thorough physical examination of the legs. Some other diagnostic tests for DVT may include:
- Ultrasound
- Venography
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- D-dimer test
- Blood tests
Treatment of DVT
Most treatments are focused on preventing the thrombus from growing in size and the development of another clot. Treatments will also focus on preventing an embolism, which occurs when a clot or the segment of plaque breaks off and travels elsewhere in the body and creates a dangerous blockage.
This can occur in the lungs, heart, or brain, and therefore can cause life-threatening strokes or heart attacks. The best course of treatment for DVT will likely be a combination of compression and medication.
Compression Stockings
Special elastic stockings that put pressure on the veins will be prescribed to keep the blood from clotting and pooling. In less severe cases, these stockings may keep the condition under control on their own.
Anticoagulants
Blood thinners are medications that cause easier circulation. Heparin (injection or intravenous tube) and warfarin (pill form) are common anticoagulants.
Thrombin Inhibitors
These medications interfere with the blood clotting process by inhibiting the enzyme thrombin.
Vena Cava Filter
This filter is placed inside the vein that carries blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart called the vena cava. The filter prevents a pulmonary embolism by catching blood clots before they can get to the lungs.
Symptoms of DVT
Some symptoms of an embolism may include:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Sharp chest pain
- Pain worsened by deep breathing or coughing
- Dizziness
- Cough with pink, foamy mucus
Prevention of DVT
Improvement of vascular health will lessen the risk or slow the progression of DVT. Some methods of improving vascular health are:
- Losing weight
- Quitting smoking
- Managing blood pressure
- Regular exercise
- Not sitting or standing in one place for too long