Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition wherein a blood clot is formed inside a vein deep inside the body. A blood clot is a blood clump which is in a solid, gelatinous state. Such blood clots which are deep in nature generally form in the lower leg region or thigh, not restricted to other body parts as well. Deep vein thrombosis or DVT can also be referred to as a post-phlebitic syndrome, thromboembolism, and post-thrombotic syndrome.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness, or warmth of the affected area. About half of the diagnosed cases have no symptoms.
Risk factors of DVT
Risk factors include cancer, trauma, lack of movement, obesity, smoking, antiphospholipid syndrome, and certain genetic conditions. A DVT condition tends to have some serious repercussions. Just in case a blood clot has broken free; it may then travel through the bloodstream and result in blood flow blockage to the lungs. This is very rare though; however, this condition is termed as pulmonary embolism and it can be fatal as well. The heart tends to pump down and the blood circulation in the opposite direction stops. So, when the blood is pumped to the legs, the reverse circulation does not take place.
On the flipside though, if the blood clot stays intact, it may still cause irreparable damage to the vein valves, which can be permanent in nature. This leads to long-term issues like leg sores, swelling, and pain.
Effects
The condition exudes a variety of effects which includes the likes of increased heart rate, sudden breath shortness, and chest pain during inhalation; but in most cases, there are no symptoms. Another effect is sore development on the skin as the blood tends to escape from damaged veins.
Affected age group
Though there is no specific target age group for DVT, it is majorly found in people in people after 40 years of age.
Types
- Acute DVT – less than 1-month-old
Acute DVT is the thrombosis condition wherein the symptoms have stayed put for 2 weeks or less. The symptoms for Acute DVT include the likes of pain and swelling. - Chronic DVT – more than 1-month-old
In this type, the symptoms are more than a month old. The clot becomes harder and harder and often causes vein scarring. This inhibits the blood flow as the vein becomes smaller.
Ways to prevent DVT
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Staying active
- Regular exercise
- Do heel-toe exercises or circle your feet if cannot move around
- Stop at least every two hours when you drive, and get out and move around
- Drink a lot of water and wear loose fitted clothing when you travel
- Use blood thinners if needed
Vulnerability to DVT
You will be vulnerable to DVT if:
- You have an injury that damages your veins such as a bone fracture
- You have a catheter placed in a vein
- You take birth control pills or are undergoing hormone therapy
- You are a chronic smoker
- You often stay seated for a long period of time
