Deep Venous Thrombosis

What is deep venous thrombosis?

Being physically active prevents deep venous thrombosis.

Blood clots can form inside our veins both superficial and deep. If the superficial veins are affected, the condition is called superficial thrombophlebitis which rarely causes any problems. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. The clots in deep veins are dangerous because they can break loose and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life threatening condition where a blood clot blocks the blood flow to the lung.

What are the risk factors to develop deep venous thrombosis?

In the United States around 350.000 to 600.000 people got deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism each year. DVT can affect any person of any age, but the condition tends to happen in the elderly and in people with risk factors, such as:

• Long periods of inactivity such as sitting when traveling by plane or car or being in prolonged bed rest status. If your legs remain, your calf muscles don't contract to help blood circulate, which makes it easier for blood clots to develop.
• Injury or surgery can disturb your blood flow. The general anesthetics used in surgery can widened your veins and makes it easier for blood to pool together and form clots.
• Inheriting a blood clotting disorder
• Pregnancy increases the pressure inside the veins. The increased risk for clot formation continues until 6 weeks after giving birth.
• Cancer and its treatment increase the chance for blood clot formation.
• Birth control pills or hormonal replacement therapy
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Medical procedures that place a catheter or a pace maker through your veins
• A past history and/or a family history of DVT or PE
• Other medical condition such as inflammatory bowel diseases and heart failure

What are the symptoms of deep venous thrombosis?

In about half of all cases, DVT occurs without any noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include swelling, pain, warmth, and changes in skin colors on the affected leg, including in the ankle and foot.

When pulmonary embolism is about to develop, the warning symptoms usually include shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, feeling faint or dizzy, rapid pulse, sweating, coughing up blood, and feeling anxious or nervous. If you experience any of these, immediately seek medical assistance.

How to treat and prevent deep venous thrombosis?

Your doctor may perform ultrasonography on your legs, run some blood test, and get a chest x-ray or to help with the diagnosis. Immediate treatment involves blood thinners like heparin and warfarin to prevent the blood clots from growing. You will need to continue taking these medications for at least 3 months. In rare cases, a vena cava filter may be used to filter the blood that returns to the heart and prevent the blood clots to travel into the lungs.

To prevent DVT, move your legs often during long trips and in other situation which you are required to sit or lie down for long periods of time. On long flights, walk up and down the aisle hourly, flex and point your feet every 20 minutes while sitting, and drink plenty of water. Pressure stockings are also helpful to reduce the chance of getting blood clots.