An Introduction to Deep Vein Thrombosis
A deep vein thrombosis (
DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a vein, deep in the body. Most deep vein clots occur in the leg or hip veins. However, a deep vein thrombosis also can occur in other parts of the body. Although blood clots are nature's way of trying to prevent bleeding, blood clots become dangerous when precautions are not taken.
A blood clot that develops in a vein in the thigh is usually more serious than a blood clot that develops in a vein in the lower leg. It is estimated that 1 out of every 1,000 Americans develops deep vein thrombosis each year.
Risk Factors for Deep Vein Thrombosis
There are many conditions that may increase your risk for deep vein thrombosis. Although some of these conditions alone can increase your risk, your chances for developing DVT increases further when several risk factors are combined.
Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis
DVT symptoms vary depending on the amount of blood flow that is blocked in the legs by blood clots. Large clots may cause more noticeable DVT symptoms, while smaller clots may cause fewer DVT symptoms or no DVT symptoms at all. In fact, only about half of the people with deep vein thrombosis have symptoms.
Common DVT symptoms may include:
- Pain or tenderness in the leg (the pain is usually in one leg and may only be present when standing or walking)
- Feeling of increased warmth in the area of the leg that is swollen or hurts
It is important that you see your doctor immediately if you experience any DVT symptoms.
(Click DVT Symptoms for more information about the symptoms of blood clots.)
Diagnosing Deep Vein Thrombosis
In order to diagnose deep vein thrombosis, your doctor will need to obtain your medical history and perform a physical exam. Your doctor may also order certain tests to make a
DVT diagnosis.
Some of the more common tests used in diagnosing a DVT include:
- Duplex ultrasound
- Venography.
Current Treatment for Deep Vein Thrombosis
The main goals for deep vein thrombosis treatment are to:
- Stop the clot from getting bigger
- Stop the clot from breaking off in your vein and moving to your lungs
- Decrease your chance of having another deep vein thrombosis.
DVT is usually treated with medication. DVT treatment medications include:
- Anticoagulants
- Thrombolytics
- Thrombin inhibitors.
Other DVT treatments include a vena cava filter or graduated compression stockings.
Complications of Deep Vein Thrombosis
One complication of DVT is pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot in a vein breaks off, travels through your bloodstream, and lodges in your lung. Pulmonary embolism is a very serious condition that can cause death. Superficial venous thrombosis (phlebitis) is a blood clot in a vein that is close to the surface of the skin. Blood clots in superficial veins cannot travel to the lungs.
Another potential complication of DVT is postphlebitic syndrome, which is a permanent condition that is caused by valves in the leg veins that do not work properly. Although the body has mechanisms within itself to dissolve clots, the process is very slow. Throughout this process, an inflammatory reaction occurs that can scar the veins, especially the valves. The valves then fail to prevent blood from flowing backwards, which allows the blood to pool in the leg veins and cause pain, swelling, and sometimes
varicose veins and skin ulcerations.
Other Names for Deep Vein Thrombosis
Other names used for deep vein thrombosis include:
- DVT
- Venous thrombosis
- Blood clot in the legs.
Summary of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein, deep in the body. Deep vein thrombosis in the thigh is more serious than deep vein thrombosis in the lower leg, because blood clots in the thigh are more likely to travel to the lungs.
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