The incidence of clots in the veins (usually deep veins in the legs), resulting in serious complications, appears to be increasing as more individuals adopt more sedentary and risky lifestyles. The danger is that part of the clot can break off and travel through the bloodstream. Such clots could get stuck in the lungs and block blood flow, causing organ damage or death.
What is deep vein thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein located deep inside your body. A blood clot is a clump of blood that is in a gelatinous, solid state. Deep vein blood clots typically form in your thigh or lower leg, but they can also develop in other areas of your body.
What causes DVT?
Anything that damages the inner lining of a vein may cause DVT. This might be: surgery, an injury, or your immune system. If your blood is thick or flows slowly, it is more likely to form a clot especially in a vein that is already damaged. People who have certain genetic disorders or more estrogen in their system are more at risk for blood clots.
Some individuals are more at risk of developing a blood clot in their legs. Many factors can increase your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and the more you have, the greater your risk. Risk factors include the following:
• People who have cancer
• People who have had surgery
• People who are on extended bed rest
• The elderly (being over age 60 increases your risk of DVT, though it can occur at any age)
• Individuals who smoke
• People who are overweight or obese
• Certain medical disorders (bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
• Individuals who sit for long times, like on a long airplane flight Medicines Withex Hormones
• Using medicines with sex hormones
• Being an athlete. New research suggests that athletes, especially those who do endurance events like marathons, could get clots more often. They are more likely to get dehydrated or injured.
Pregnancy and DVT
Women are more likely to develop DVT during pregnancy and the 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth. That is when they have higher levels of oestrogen which may make blood clot more easily. The pressure of their expanding uterus during pregnancy can slow blood flow in the veins, as well, resulting in a blood clot.
What are some symptoms of DVT?
Unfortunately, about half of people with DVT get no warning signs or symptoms. When symptoms do occur they might include the following:
• Swelling in the affected leg.
• Pain in the leg. The pain often starts in your calf and can feel like cramping or a soreness.
Diagnosis
If you have signs or symptoms suggestive of a DVT see your doctor. Your doctor would carry out a detailed history and clinical examination.
Your doctor will check you for signs of DVT. An ultrasound is the most common way to confirm a diagnosis. Other tests and investigations might be needed such as a blood test called a d-dimer.
Treatment
Once the diagnosis is made there are many treatment options. Deep vein thrombosis treatment is aimed at preventing the clot from getting any bigger, as well as preventing the clot from breaking loose and causing a pulmonary embolism. After that, the goal becomes reducing your chances of deep vein thrombosis happening again.
Complications of DVT
One of the most serious complications of DVT is that of pulmonary embolism.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood vessel in your lung becomes blocked by a blood clot (thrombus) that travels to your lungs from another part of your body, usually your leg.
A pulmonary embolism can be fatal. So, it is important to be on the lookout for its signs and symptoms and seek medical attention if they occur. Signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:
• Unexplained sudden onset of shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath or when you cough
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or fainting
• Rapid pulse
• Coughing up blood
The other serious complication of DVT is that of postphlebitic syndrome also called postthrombotic syndrome. This syndrome is used to describe a collection of signs and symptoms including:
• Swelling of your legs (oedema)
• Leg pain
• Skin discolouration
• Skin sores
Can DVT be prevented?
In some individuals DVT can be prevented. Many doctors frequently recommend the following:
• Take any prescribed medications as directed. If you are having surgery, such as orthopedic surgery, you will probably be given blood thinners while you’re in the hospital. Your doctor may also prescribe aspirin or other medications that help prevent clots to be taken for a while after surgery.
• Avoid sitting still. If you have had surgery or have been on bed rest for other reasons, try to get moving as soon as possible. If you are sitting for a while, try not to cross your legs because this can limit blood flow. If you’re traveling a long distance by car, stop every hour or so and walk around. If you are on a plane, try to stand or walk occasionally.
• Make lifestyle changes. Lose weight and quit smoking. Obesity and smoking increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis.
• Get regular exercise. Exercise which lowers your risk of blood clots is especially important for people who have to sit a lot or travel frequently.
Compression stockings
Many individuals are reluctant to use these. These special socks put gentle pressure on your legs to keep your blood moving. They can help prevent clots from forming, as well as reduce swelling and relieve discomfort in a leg where a clot has already formed. You can get compression stockings over the counter, but your doctor will need to write a prescription for those with more pressure. Wear them even at home. They must be worn at all times.
Conclusion
Blood clots in the veins, also known as deep vein thrombosis, can have serious complications if not treated appropriately. Individuals are encouraged to take preventative measures to prevent these clots from developing, and seek urgent medical attention if they have signs and symptoms suggestive of clots in the legs or lungs. Early treatment can often prevent death.
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 MB BS DGO MRCOG, 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).
