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A blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of your body’s deep veins, generally in your legs, causing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep vein thrombosis can cause limb pain and edema, but it can also strike without warning.

If you have certain medical disorders that alter how your blood clots, you may get DVT. A blood clot in your legs can also occur if you don’t move for an extended period of time, such as after surgery or an accident while traveling a long distance, or while on bed rest.

Deep vein thrombosis is a dangerous condition in which blood clots in your veins break free, travel through your bloodstream, and become lodged in your lungs, limiting blood flow (pulmonary embolism). However, pulmonary embolism can happen even if there is no sign of DVT.

The combination of DVT and pulmonary embolism is known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). Medicines to relieve pain and inflammation, break up clots, and prevent new ones from developing are all part of the deep vein thrombosis treatment. It may also be beneficial to elevate the affected area and provide moist heat. Take a rest, walk or stretch your legs, and drink plenty of water if you are going on a long car or aircraft trip.

What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

DVT (deep vein thrombosis, also known as venous thrombosis) is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep within the body. Blood flow via the vein may be partially or fully blocked by the clot. DVTs are most commonly found in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, although they can also occur in the arm, brain, intestines, liver, or kidney. The following are some of the other names for this condition:

  • Thromboembolism
  • Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS)
  • Postphlebitic syndrome

Even though DVT is not life-threatening, the blood clot has the ability to break loose and move through the bloodstream, where it can become lodged in the lungs’ blood arteries (known as a pulmonary embolism). This is a potentially fatal condition. As a result, timely diagnosis and treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis are essential.

What Are the Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis?

A DVT typically develops in one leg or arm. DVT Symptoms vary from person to person, but they can include:

  • Swelling of the leg or arm is a common symptom (sometimes this happens suddenly)
  • Tenderness or pain in the leg (may only happen when standing or walking)
  • It’s possible that the portion of the leg or arm that’s swollen or pains are warmer than usual.
  • Reddened or discolored skin
  • Veins near the surface of the skin may be bigger than usual.

A pulmonary embolism can cause the following symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath or rapid breathing can occur suddenly.
  • Sharp chest pain that worsens when you cough or move around.
  • Cough (occasionally with bloody sputum/phlegm) Back pain
  • Sweating a lot more than usual
  • A rapid heartbeat
  • Feeling light-headed or fainting

Some patients are unaware that they have a DVT until the clot goes from their leg or arm to their lungs.

If you experience symptoms of a pulmonary embolism or DVT, call your doctor or go to the emergency department very once. Do not wait for your symptoms to “go away.” To avoid major problems, seek treatment as soon as possible.

What Are The Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis?

A blood clot is the cause of Deep Vein Thrombosis. A clot clogs a vein, stopping blood from flowing normally throughout your body. Clotting can happen for a variety of causes. These are some of them:

  • Injury: Blood flow can be restricted or blocked when the wall of a blood vessel is damaged. As a result, a blood clot may form.
  • Surgery: During surgery, blood arteries can be injured, which can result in the formation of a blood clot. Following surgery, bed rest with minimal to no activity may raise your chance of forming a blood clot.
  • Inactivity or a reduction in mobility:  Blood can build up in your legs, particularly the lower areas, if you sit a lot. The blood flow in your legs can slow down if you are unable to move for a lengthy amount of time. A clot could form as a result of this.
  • Certain prescribed drugs:  Some drugs make it more likely for your blood to clot.

How Is Deep Vein Thrombosis Diagnosed?

A physical and a review of your medical history are included in a visit to determine if you have a DVT. You will also require testing. The following tests are commonly used to diagnose a DVT:

  • Venous duplex ultrasonography: It is the most popular test for determining whether or not you have a DVT. It displays the blood flow in the veins as well as any blood clots. While scanning your arm or leg, an ultrasound technician will apply pressure. If the pressure does not force the vein to collapse, a blood clot may be present.
  • Venography:  X-rays are used to show your deep veins in this test. A specific dye (contrast material) is injected into your veins so that the veins and any blood clots may be seen on X-rays. Any blood flow obstruction may also be seen. If the results of the duplex ultrasound aren’t obvious, venography may be performed.

You may also be subjected to the following tests:

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI displays images of organs and structures inside the body, whereas MRV shows images of blood vessels. MRI and MRV can often provide more information than an X-ray.
  • CT scan: It is a type of X-ray that depicts internal body structures. A CT scan can detect DVTs in the abdomen and pelvis, as well as blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

Blood testing may be required if your doctor suspects you have a hereditary disease that causes blood clots. This is significant if:

  • You’ve had blood clots in the past that haven’t been tied to anything else.
  • A blood clot has formed in an odd place, such as a vein in the intestines, liver, kidney, or brain.
  • You have a history of blood clots in your family.

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What Treatment Options Are Available for Patients With DVT?

DVT is a life-threatening medical disorder. If you think you are having DVT symptoms, call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room right once. Your symptoms can be examined by a medical professional.

The goal of Deep Vein Thrombosis treatment is to keep the clot from spreading. Treatment may also help you avoid a pulmonary embolism and reduce your chances of getting additional clots.

Medication

Medications to thin your blood may be prescribed by your doctor, such as:

  • Warfarin (Coumadin)
  • Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
  • Fondaparinux (Arixtra)

Blood-thinning drugs make it more difficult for your blood to clot. They also keep existing clots as tiny as possible, lowering the risk of developing new ones.

Thrombolytic medicines may be used if blood thinners do not function or if the DVT is severe. This medicine may also help those with DVT in their upper extremities.

Thrombolytic medications function by dissolving blood clots. These will be given to you intravenously (through a vein).

Compression Stockings

If you have a high risk of DVT, compression stockings can help you avoid swelling and clots.

Compression stockings can be worn immediately below or just above the knee. It’s possible that your doctor will advise you to wear these every day.

Surgery

If you have a DVT clot in your arm or leg, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove it. This is usually reserved for very big blood clots or clots that are causing major problems, such as tissue damage.

Your surgeon will create an incision into a blood vessel during a surgical thrombectomy, or operation to remove a blood clot. They will find the clot and remove it. The blood vessel and tissue will then be repaired.

They may use a small inflated balloon to maintain the blood vessel open while removing the clot in some circumstances. When the clot is discovered and removed, the balloon is also removed.

Because surgery carries dangers, many doctors reserve it for the most serious patients. The following are some of the dangers:

  • Infection
  • Blood vessel damage
  • Excessive bleeding

Can DVT be Prevented?

Following a DVT, you must take DVT prevention steps to lower your risk of future clots by:

  • Take your drugs exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Keeping your doctor’s and laboratory follow-up appointments. These are required to determine how far your treatment will be effective.

If you’ve never had a DVT but are at a higher risk of getting one, make sure you:

  • If you have to sit for an extended period of time, strengthen your lower leg muscles. If you are on a long flight, get up and walk around every half hour. If you are on a long road trip, get out of the car every hour.
  • After being sick or having surgery, get out of bed and exercise around as soon as possible. The sooner you get up and about, the less likely you are to develop a clot.
  • To lower the chance of a clot, take medicines or use compression stockings after surgery (if your doctor recommends it).
  • To lower your chance of a clot, see your doctor when prescribed and follow your doctor’s advice.

The Most Important Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How Long Does Deep Vein Thrombosis Take to Go Away?

A: It is critical to begin DVT treatment as soon as possible. A blood clot usually takes 3 to 6 months to dissolve. There are certain things you can take to alleviate symptoms during this period. To decrease swelling, elevate your leg.

Q: Does Aspirin Help With Blood Clots?

A: Aspirin has been shown to aid those suffering from heart and blood vessel problems. By interfering with how blood clots, it can help prevent a heart attack or clot-related stroke.

Q: What Are the First Signs of a Blood Clot?

A: Throbbing or cramping discomfort, swelling, redness, and warmth in a leg or arm are all signs of a blood clot.

Sudden breathlessness, acute chest pain (worse when you breathe in), and a cough or coughing up blood are also possible symptoms.

Q: How Do You Test for DVT in the Home?

A: A self-evaluation is one technique to see if you have DVT. The Homan’s Test entails lying flat on your back and extending the suspected leg’s knee. Raise the extended leg to 10 degrees and squeeze the calf with a friend or family member.

Q: Can a Blood Clot Feel Like a Pulled Muscle?

A: A blood clot’s symptoms are similar to those of a pulled muscle or a “Charley horse,” but the leg (or arm) may be swollen, somewhat discolored, and heated. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible since you may require immediate treatment.

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