Deep vein thrombosis, or more commonly referred to as DVT, affects many individuals. This disorder can become very serious and life-threatening especially when a clot breaks off and travels through the blood stream where it can lodge in the lungs resulting in sudden death.
What is deep vein thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis refers to a blood clot that develops inside a larger vein — usually deep within the lower leg or thigh.
What are some symptoms of DVT?
In many individuals with DVT, they do not know that they have this potentially dangerous disorder as they might not have any symptoms or the symptoms might go unnoticed. About half of the people with DVT have no warning signs. Symptoms may include:
• Redness
• Swelling
• Tenderness or pain
These happen in the area of the blood clot which is usually the leg.
Dangers of DVT: Pulmonary Embolism
If part of the clot breaks loose, and travels through the bloodstream, the results can be life-threatening. A clot that blocks the blood supply to the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism. Symptoms include trouble breathing, low blood pressure, fainting, faster heart rate, chest pain, and coughing up blood. If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 and seek immediate emergency medical care.
What causes DVT?
Anything that damages the inner lining of a vein, including surgery, injury, or an immune system response may cause DVT. Blood that is thick or flows too slowly is more likely to form a clot especially in a vein that is already damaged. Other things that raise the risk for blood clotting include genetic disorders, hormone changes, and sitting for long periods of time (such as when flying).
Which individuals are more likely to get DVT?
Anyone can get DVT but some individuals are more at risk than others. These include the following:
• People who are obese.
• People who have cancer
• People who have had surgery
• Anyone on extended bed rest
• The elderly
• Smokers
• Long-distance travelers
DVT and Pregnancy
Women have a greater risk of developing DVT during pregnancy and the four to six weeks after giving birth. This is due to higher levels of oestrogen which may make blood easier to clot. The pressure of an expanding uterus can also slow blood flow of the veins as well. Certain blood disorders can boost the risk even more.
DVT and Hormonal Birth Control
Like pregnancy, hormonal birth control and postmenopausal hormone therapy change blood chemistry and may increase the risk of DVT in some individuals.
DVT and Travel
Studies show long-distance travel lasting more than four hours doubles the risk of developing DVT. This includes travel by air, bus, train, or car. Not moving around in these cramped conditions can cause sluggish blood flow.
How is the diagnosis made?
Your doctor will carry out a detailed medical history and examination to help make the diagnosis. Various tests might be needed such as a blood test called D-Dimer. An ultrasound is most often used to diagnose DVT.
Treatment
Anticoagulants, which make the blood thinner, are the most common DVT treatment. These do not dissolve the clot. Medications that actually dissolve blood clots are called thrombolytics. They can cause sudden, severe bleeding, so they are used only in emergencies: for example, to dissolve a life-threatening blood clot that has traveled to the lungs and is causing severe symptoms. Thrombolytics are given by IV in a hospital.
If you cannot take anticoagulants, or they are not working, your doctor may recommend inserting a filter into a large vein called the vena cava. This filter catches breakaway clots and prevents them from traveling to the lungs.
Compression stockings apply pressure to keep the blood in the legs from pooling and clotting. They reduce swelling and help relieve discomfort in a leg where a clot has already formed.
Prevention
Being active increases blood flow, keeping it from pooling and clotting. Exercising the lower leg muscles in particular can help prevent DVT. When you are not active — at your desk, for example — take breaks to stretch your legs. Get up and walk around if you can. Frequent exercise also reduces the risk of obesity which contributes to DVT risk.
Preventing DVT: Travel Tips
When traveling for more than four hours, avoid tight clothing and drink plenty of water. Get up and walk around at least every two to three hours. If you have to stay in your seat, find ways to keep legs active. Try clenching and releasing your leg muscles or lifting and lowering your heels with your toes on the floor.
Conclusion
Deep vein thrombosis can lead to serious complications some of which can be fatal. Many individuals often ignore the symptoms of DVT and fail to seek medical attention. If you have symptoms of DVT seek medical advice so that treatment can be instituted and serious complications, like pulmonary (lung) embolism, can be prevented.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
