Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that can happen when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins in your body, typically in your legs. It occurs when blood flow slows down or becomes stagnant, allowing a clot to form.
Think of your veins as tubes that carry blood back to your heart. When a clot forms, it can partially or completely block the flow of blood through the affected vein. This can lead to swelling, pain, and sometimes a warm sensation in the affected leg.
DVT is important to recognize and treat because if the clot breaks free, it can travel through your bloodstream and potentially cause a blockage in your lungs, known as a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Leg pain: You may experience persistent pain, tenderness, or cramping in your leg. The pain is often described as a deep ache or a feeling of soreness.
- Swelling: The affected leg may swell, causing noticeable enlargement. This swelling may occur in the entire leg or just in certain areas.
- Redness and warmth: The skin over the affected area may become red, and the leg may feel warm to the touch.
- Skin discoloration: In some cases, the skin may appear bluish or have a reddish-purple hue.
- Vein visibility: The affected vein may become more prominent and visible, appearing as a cord-like structure beneath the skin.
Risk Factors:
- Prolonged immobility: Extended periods of inactivity, such as long-distance travel, bed rest, or sitting for long hours without movement, can increase the risk of DVT.
- Surgery or injury: Certain surgeries, particularly those involving the lower extremities or abdomen, can increase the risk of blood clot formation. Additionally, major injuries or fractures can also contribute to DVT development.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and inflammatory bowel disease can increase the risk of DVT.
- Hormonal factors: Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, or estrogen therapy can make the blood more prone to clotting.
- Age: The risk of DVT increases with age, especially over 60 years.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the veins, impairing blood flow and increasing the risk of clot formation.
- Family history: Having a close family member who has had DVT or a clotting disorder increases the likelihood of developing DVT.
- Smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels and increases the risk of clotting.
- Varicose veins: Varicose veins, which are swollen and twisted veins, can increase the risk of DVT.
- Previous history of DVT: If you have had a previous episode of DVT, you are at a higher risk of developing it again.
It’s important to note that having one or more risk factors does not guarantee that you will develop DVT, but it increases the likelihood. If you experience any symptoms or have concerns about your risk call our office to schedule a consultation.