Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Make an Appointment
Talk to DoctorOverview
When a blood clot (also known as a thrombus) develops in the deep veins of the body, typically in the legs, it leads to a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This can cause symptoms such as pain or swelling in the leg, but sometimes there may not be any obvious signs. Up to 50% of people who get a DVT in their legs experience periodic limb pain and swelling that could linger for months or years. These symptoms, known as post-thrombotic syndrome, can be caused by harm to the veins’ valves and inner lining, which causes blood to “pool” more than it should. This results in pain and swelling as the pressure inside your veins rises.
Certain medical conditions can increase the risk of developing blood clots due to their effect on the clotting process. Staying immobile for an extended period of time, such as during long-distance travel or post-operative bed rest, can lead to the formation of blood clots in the legs.
Because blood clots in the veins have the potential to break away, deep vein thrombosis can be dangerous. After that, the clots may move through the bloodstream and become lodged in the lungs, obstructing blood flow (pulmonary embolism). Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the term used to describe the combination of DVT and pulmonary embolism.
Symptoms
Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) include:
- Leg pain, soreness, or cramping that typically begins in the calf
- Leg swelling
- A warm sensation on the afflicted leg
- A change in skin color on the leg, sometimes turning it red or purple depending on your skin color.
- Pain in the abdomen or the flank due to the blood clots affecting the veins inside abdomen.
- Seizures or a severe headache, usually with a sudden onset due to the blood clots affecting the brain’s veins.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can develop without presenting any apparent symptoms. If you experience any symptoms of DVT, it is advisable to contact your doctor promptly. In the case of life-threatening signs of a Pulmonary Embolism (PE), a complication of DVT, seek immediate medical attention.
The following are the symptoms and warning indications of a pulmonary embolism:
- Difficulty of breathing that occurs suddenly
- Pain or discomfort in the chest that intensifies while taking deep breaths or coughing.
- Losing consciousness
- Very fast pulse rate or breathing
- Presence of blood when coughing
- Dizziness or light headedness
Causes
Anything that disrupts the normal flow or clotting of blood can lead to the formation of a blood clot.
DVT is primarily brought on by damage to a vein following surgery, inflammation, infection, or injury.
Risk factors
There are numerous factors that can raise the risk of DVT. The risk of DVT increases with the more of risk factors you have. DVT risk factors include:
- Age. DVT risk goes up after 60 years of age. Yet, DVT can happen at any age.
- Lack of movement. Calf muscles do not contract while the legs are still for an extended period of time. Blood flow is aided by muscle contractions. DVT risk is increased by prolonged sitting, such as when driving or flying. The same is true for prolonged bed rest, which may be brought on by a long hospital stay or a physical condition like paralysis.
- Injury or surgery. Blood clot risk might be increased by surgery or vein injury.
- Pregnancy. The pressure in the pelvic and leg veins rises during pregnancy. After giving birth, the risk of blood clots due to pregnancy-related factors may persist for up to six weeks. Individuals with inherited clotting disorders are at an even higher risk.
- Oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. Both have the capacity to develop blood clots.
- Being overweight or obese. The pressure in the legs’ and pelvis’ veins rises when a person is overweight.
- Smoking. Smoking has an impact on blood clotting and flow, which raises the possibility of DVT.
- Cancer. Some malignancies produce an increase in blood clotting proteins. Certain cancer treatments also raise the chance of blood clots.
- Heart failure. DVT and pulmonary embolism risk factors for heart failure are increased. Those with heart failure have impaired heart and lung function, making even a tiny pulmonary embolism more noticeable.
- Inflammatory bowel disease. DVT risk is increased by ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
- A personal or family history of DVT or PE. You may be more likely to develop DVT if you or a family member has experienced one or both of these illnesses.
- Genetics. Blood clots more readily in some persons due to DNA changes. Leiden’s factor V is one illustration. One of the blood’s clotting components alters as a result of this hereditary condition. Blood clots may not be brought on by an inherited condition on its own unless other risk factors are present.
Sometimes, a blood clot may occur in a vein without any apparent risk factors. This type of blood clot is known as an unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE).
Diagnosis
Your medical professional will do a physical examination and inquire about your symptoms in order to identify DVT. The doctor will look for swelling, soreness, or changes in the skin’s color on the legs.
If your doctor believes you have a low or high risk of developing DVT will affect the tests you undergo.
Tests
The following tests are used to identify or rule out DVT:
- D-dimer blood test. Blood clots create a particular kind of protein called D dimer. The blood levels of D dimer are elevated in nearly all patients with severe DVT. This test frequently aids in ruling out PE.
- Duplex ultrasound. Duplex ultrasound is the standard method for diagnosing DVT. In this noninvasive examination, sound waves are used to visualize the veins’ blood flow. A small hand-held instrument (transducer) is softly moved over the body area being examined during the test by a healthcare professional. During several days, serial ultrasounds may be performed to look for any new blood clots or to see whether an existing one is expanding.
- Venography. This examination produces an image of the veins in the legs and feet using X-rays and dye. A big vein in the foot or ankle receives the dye injection. On X-rays, it makes blood vessels more visible. The procedure is uncommon since it is invasive. Usually, other tests—like an ultrasound—come first.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. This examination could be used to identify DVT in the vein inside abdomen.
Treatment
The treatment of DVT aims to achieve three main objectives: prevent further growth of the clot, reduce the risk of developing another DVT, and prevent the clot from breaking into pieces and traveling to the lungs.
Options for DVT treatment include:
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants). These drugs aid in preventing blood clots from growing larger. Blood thinners lessen the chance of getting new clots.
Blood thinners can be administered orally, intravenously, or subcutaneously. DVT is treated with a variety of blood-thinning medications. Your healthcare provider and you will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each to decide which is best for you.
Blood-thinning medications may be required for three months or longer. To avoid major side effects, it’s crucial to take them exactly as directed.
Regular blood tests are required for those who take the blood thinner named warfarin to check the drug’s levels in the body. It is unsafe to take certain blood thinners when pregnant.
- Thrombolytics (clot busters). These medications are prescribed for more severe cases of DVT or PE or when other drugs aren’t functioning.
Clot busters are administered intravenously (IV) or through a catheter that is inserted right into the clot. They are typically only used for persons with significant blood clots since they can result in major bleeding.
- Filters. A filter may be inserted into the vena cava, a large vein in your abdomen, if you are unable to take medications to thin your blood. Clots that become loose are prevented from settling in the lungs by a vena cava filter.
- Compression stockings. These unique knee socks aid in preventing blood accumulation in the legs. They aid in lowering leg edema. Wear them from your feet to approximately the level of your knees. If at all possible, you should wear these stockings during the day for a few years if you have DVT.
