What is deep vein thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occur when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in the deep veins in the body. This happens when the blood flow is slowed in the veins. These are usually found in the legs and can cause pain and swelling. In some instances, the blood clot can break loose, and it can pass through the bloodstream and block the flow of blood in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
What causes DVT?
If blood moves too slowly through your veins the blood cells can start to coagulate (clump) and it can cause a blockage. This abnormal blockage usually occurs in the lower limbs but an occur in other parts of the body.
What are the symptoms of DVT?
You at higher risk of developing a DVT if you have damaged veins, a history of DVT and previous pulmonary embolism (PE), stand or have long periods of immobility and have had trauma or surgery to a vein. Pregnancy, smoking, blood clotting disorders and being overweight may also increase your risk.
- Symptoms can vary person to person. These may include:
- Swollen or enlarged veins.
- Acute swelling in the arms or legs.
- Tenderness or pain when you stand or walk in the calf
- Heat in the area that hurts
- Skin colour changes (skin may look more red or blue)
Sometimes a pulmonary embolism is the first sign that people have a DVT. This is a life-threatening condition and urgent medical care is required.
Signs of PE include:
- Gradual or sudden shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate
- Collapse
- Acute Chest pain (pain increases when you take a deep breath)
- Coughing up blood
How do I manage DVT?
Treatment is both active and preventative for DVTs. The main aims of DVT treatment are to prevent cloth travelling and spreading and increasing in size and to also prevent the development of more clots in the future. Some people who have DVT can develop long-term symptoms in the calf. This is called post-thrombotic syndrome and can lead to venous leg ulcers. This is caused by increased pressure on the veins in the legs due to blood flow being diversted from the blocked vein.
To reduce the risk of developing these and further clots the flowing may given by your clinican:
Mediations
- You may be given an anticoagulants (blood thinners) However, they do not actually thin the blood. They change chemicals in the blood to stop clots forming so easily. Anticoagulants do not dissolve the clot but can be used to prevent more clots from developing in the future. The may give clot bsting medication and in some cases surgery to remove the clot.
Life-style
You may be advised to do the following:
- Loose weight and exercise to improve overall health and circulation.
- Stop smoking
- Raise your legs while resting to reduce the pressure on the veins in your legs. This stop blood from pooling. The effected limb should be raised above heart level when laying down.
Compression therapy
You may be advised to wear Compression stockings. They can help to alleviate swelling and manage pain. These help to move the blood in the veins back up the legs and prevent leakage into surrounding tissue by exerting graduate mechanical pressure on the veins from the outside. They come in different classifications, and your clinician will advise on the correct compression garment for you as you should be measured and reviewed to make sure you are in the correct size.
Daylong offers a wide range of compression stockings and support tights. See them here.
Where can I find more information?
More Information on the condition can be found at: