Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. This can cause pain, swelling, and warmth in the affected area and potentially lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.
Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Swelling, pain, or tenderness in the affected leg
- Warmth or redness in the affected area
- Leg fatigue or cramping
Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis
DVT can develop due to various factors, such as prolonged immobility, recent surgery, cancer, pregnancy, certain medications, and inherited blood-clotting disorders.
Prevention is Key!
Prevention strategies include staying active, wearing compression stockings when necessary, and taking blood thinners if you are at high risk or have recently undergone surgery.
Risks of the disease
If left untreated, DVT can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism (a clot that travels to the lungs), post-thrombotic syndrome (long-term swelling and pain), and an increased risk of recurrent clots.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Your vascular surgeon may order tests like Doppler ultrasound, venography, or D-dimer blood tests to diagnose DVT accurately.
Treatment typically involves anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) to prevent clot extension and break down existing clots. In severe cases, procedures like catheter-directed thrombolysis or surgery may be necessary.
Questions You might have?
DVT can be caused by prolonged immobility, recent surgery, cancer, pregnancy, certain medications, and inherited blood clotting disorders.
Symptoms include swelling, pain, tenderness, warmth, and redness in the affected leg, as well as leg fatigue or cramping.
If left untreated, DVT can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications like pulmonary embolism.
DVT is typically diagnosed through Doppler ultrasound, venography, or D-dimer blood tests.
Treatment usually involves anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) to prevent clot extension and breakdown existing clots. In severe cases, procedures may be needed.
Staying active, wearing compression stockings when necessary, and taking blood thinners if at high risk can help prevent DVT.
There is a risk of recurrent DVT, especially if risk factors like prolonged immobility persist.
Some people may develop post-thrombotic syndrome, which causes long-term swelling and pain in the affected limb.
While not directly hereditary, certain inherited blood clotting disorders can increase the risk of developing DVT.
Prompt treatment is essential to prevent potentially life-threatening complications like pulmonary embolism.
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