Blood normally flows as a liquid through arteries and veins. Arteries deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body, while veins carry waste products back for removal. However, blood can also change form and become solid — this process is known as clotting.
Clotting is essential in some situations. For instance, when you cut yourself, blood clots help stop bleeding by sealing the injured vessel. On the other hand, when a clot forms inside a healthy blood vessel, it is usually abnormal and can be dangerous.
What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most often in the legs. It affects about 1 in 10,000 people each year. The standard treatment involves blood thinners (anticoagulants) to prevent the clot from growing or breaking loose.
If a clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening complication. That is why treatment during the first two to three weeks is especially important.
Clots are unstable when they first form, much like unset jelly. As a result, early-stage DVT carries a higher risk of embolism. While small clots may resolve on their own, larger ones often become firm and organized, making them difficult to remove.
When DVT blocks blood flow in a vein, swelling, pain, and redness can occur. Over time, untreated DVT may also cause post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in up to 40% of patients. This condition leads to chronic swelling, skin discoloration, ulcers, and varicose veins.
Symptoms of DVT
A person applies cream to their leg for relief.
Common symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include:
-
Swelling in one leg
-
Pain or cramps in the calf muscles
-
Red or discolored skin
-
Warmth in the affected area
Importantly, DVT does not always cause symptoms.
Warning Signs of Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
If a clot travels to the lungs, it can cause:
-
Sudden shortness of breath
-
Rapid breathing (over 25 breaths per minute)
-
Chest pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughing
-
Coughing up blood
-
Rapid heartbeat (over 100 beats per minute)
-
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
👉 If you notice symptoms of DVT, contact your doctor. However, if you develop signs of a PE, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Risk Factors for DVT
Some people are more prone to developing blood clots. Risk factors include:
-
Age: Risk increases after 60, although DVT can occur at any age.
-
Immobility: Long periods of sitting or bed rest slow blood flow in the legs.
-
Injury or surgery: Vein damage raises the chance of clotting.
-
Hormones: Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy may increase clot risk.
-
Pregnancy: Higher vein pressure during and after pregnancy makes clots more likely.
-
Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure in leg and pelvic veins.
-
Smoking: Smoking affects circulation and clotting.
-
Cancer: Some cancers and treatments increase clot risk.
-
Heart failure: Reduced circulation makes clots more dangerous.
-
Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis increase clot risk.
-
Family history or genetics: Inherited conditions such as factor V Leiden or protein C/S deficiency can make clots more likely.
Sometimes DVT occurs without any identifiable cause. In such cases, it is known as unprovoked DVT.
Diagnosis of DVT
Doctors usually diagnose DVT using a duplex ultrasound scan of the leg veins. In some situations, a CT scan may be needed to detect clots in the pelvis or abdomen. Furthermore, a CT pulmonary angiogram is the standard test for pulmonary embolism.
Treatment Options
Treatment for DVT and PE often begins with anticoagulants such as heparin, warfarin, or newer oral blood thinners like rivaroxaban and apixaban. These medications prevent new clots from forming and stop existing ones from growing.
In selected cases, minimally invasive procedures can help reduce the clot burden:
-
Thrombolysis: Using medication to dissolve clots.
-
Thrombectomy: Suction or removal of clots.
-
Venous stenting: Placing a stent to keep narrowed veins open.
Compression stockings may also help reduce symptoms and lower the risk of long-term complications such as PTS.
Lifestyle Management and Prevention
There are practical steps you can take to lower your risk of DVT:
-
Stay active: Avoid sitting still for long periods. On long flights or car rides, walk or stretch your legs every hour.
-
Exercise regularly: Physical activity improves circulation and helps with weight control.
-
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a major risk factor for DVT.
-
Quit smoking: Stopping smoking improves circulation and lowers clotting risk.
Key Takeaway
Deep vein thrombosis is a serious but treatable condition. Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and healthy lifestyle choices can prevent dangerous complications such as pulmonary embolism or post-thrombotic syndrome. If you notice symptoms of DVT, consult your doctor promptly. And if you develop warning signs of PE, seek emergency care without delay. PRIME
Leave A Comment