›› Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT - What You Need To Know

When a thrombus, or a blood clot, forms in one of the deep veins in the legs then it is called deep vein thrombosis. This is a dangerous situation and the consequences are serious. For example, if the thrombus is large enough to completely block the blood flow in the leg then the blood begins to pool and cause swelling and pain. Too much of this may damage the veins and cause permanent damage. The second serious situation is in the case the blood clot breaks free and begins traveling through the bloodstream. It will typically end up in the lungs resulting in a pulmonary embolism, which can be deadly if not treated quickly.

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The problem with a blood clot developing in one of the deep veins or the blood clot traveling to the lungs is that it is difficult to determine what is happening. So, the best treatment for deep vein thrombosis is prevention. Individuals with risk factors for deep vein thrombosis, such as individuals who have recently had lower body surgery, will be treated with drugs or other therapies to help prevent deep vein thrombosis.

Diagnosing deep vein thrombosis certainly is no easy task and the methods for diagnosing have their own set of disadvantages. Regardless, the diagnostic tests that are used most frequently include Doppler ultrasonagrophy, venography, MRI, and others.

Those who are most at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis include individuals who are over 60 years old, have genetic factors that increase blood clotting, take birth control pills, those with cancer, are overweight, are pregnant, have varicose veins, have a central venous catheter, and more.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis even if you have some of the risk factors. These include exercising the lower body as often as possible, moving around as frequently as possible after surgery or bed rest, and taking blood thinning medicine if your doctor believes it will be beneficial.

The symptoms of deep vein thrombosis are different for everyone and many individuals have no symptoms whatsoever. But, if you do feel pain when you stand or try to walk, your leg is red or very warm in a certain location, or your leg simply feels tender then you should convey this information to your doctor. Early detection and treatment is the best way to ensure the blood clot does not break away and end up in your lungs.