Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): symptoms, causes and medications

Definition

What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Deep vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a disease that occurs when there is a blood clot, aka thrombosis in a vein. This condition usually occurs in veins that are located deep in the leg muscles.

The clot causes blood flow to slow down, causing the blocked area to become swollen, red, and painful. If the clot travels to the lungs, you are at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism (blocked veins in the lungs) and causing serious breathing problems.

How common is this condition?

Deep vein thrombosis can happen to anyone. However, this condition is more common in people who are over 60 years of age.

In addition, people who are physically inactive, pregnant women, or have a platelet disorder have a higher risk of developing blood clots. This can be prevented by reducing your risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

Signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Only about half of people who experience DVT have signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms appearing on the legs are affected by the lumps in the veins. In general, the signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are:

• Swelling of the leg or along a vein in the leg
• Pain in the legs, which you feel only when you stand or walk
• Increased temperature in the area of ​​the leg that is swollen or painful
• Redness or discoloration of the skin on the feet

Some people don't notice a clot in a deep vein until they have signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism, such as:

• Shortness of breath without cause
• Pain when breathing deeply
• Coughing up blood
• Excessive breathing and rapid heart rate

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience signs or symptoms of a blocked artery or DVT, contact your doctor. Not only that, if you experience signs or symptoms of pulmonary embolism, seek medical care immediately

Cause

What causes DVT?

Various causes deep vein thrombosis is:

• Damage to the inner lining of blood vessels. Injuries caused by physical, chemical, or biological factors can damage blood vessels. These factors include surgery, serious injury, inflammation, and immune reactions
• Blood flow slows down. Lack of activity can cause slow blood flow. This may happen after surgery, if you are sick and have to be in bed for a long time, or if you have been traveling for a long time.
• Blood is thicker or more prone to clot than usual. Some genetic (inherited) conditions can increase the risk of blood clots, such as certain types of platelet disorders, or other blood clotting disorders such as hemophilia. Hormone therapy or birth control pills can also increase the risk of blood clots

Risk factors

What increases my risk for developing this condition?

Many factors can increase your risk of developing this condition. The more factors you have, the greater your risk of developing DVT.

However, it is important for you to know that having risk factors does not mean that you will definitely develop the disease or health condition. Risk factors can only increase your chances of developing certain health conditions.

The potential risk factors for DVT or deep vein thrombosis are:

• History of blood clotting disorders
• Prolonged sleep, such as a prolonged stay in the hospital, or paralysis
• Injury or surgery
• Pregnancy
• Using birth control pills or hormone therapy
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoke
• Cancer
• Heart failure
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Are over 60 years of age
• Sitting for too long

Complications

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) complications

If not treated promptly, deep vein thrombosis or DVT can cause more severe health problems.

Reporting from the Mayo Clinic page, there are 2 complications due to deep vein thrombosis that may occur:

1. Pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood vessel in the lung becomes blocked by a blood clot. These blood clots usually travel from other parts of your body to your lungs.

This complication can be life threatening because it can trigger symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing up blood, chest pain, and a rapid pulse.

2. Postphlebitic syndrome

Postphlebitic syndrome is a complication of DVT caused by damage to a vein. This damage can reduce blood flow to the affected areas of the body. As a result, fluid buildup (edema) that causes swelling can occur.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treatment

Your doctor will determine the best treatment options and according to your health condition. Various treatment options to overcome deep vein thrombosis is:

• Treatment is carried out by direct injection of a blood thinner (heparin) to thin the blood and prevent blood clots. Heparin can be given intravenously or injected under the skin (subcutaneously).
• The doctor will also prescribe a blood thinning pill (warfarin) to prevent the enlargement and formation of new blood clots.
• Thrombin inhibitors can be used to treat blood clots if you cannot use heparin.
• If you can't use blood thinners or the medication isn't working well, your doctor may recommend a vena cava filter. The filter is inserted into the large vena called the vena cava. The filter catches blood clots before they travel to the lungs, thereby preventing pulmonary embolism. However, filters cannot stop new blood clots.
• Your doctor may also recommend special stockings to control swelling in your legs.

Diagnosis of DVT DVT?

To be able to diagnose deep vein thrombosis, the doctor will ask about symptoms and perform an examination. If it is suspected deep vein thrombosis , the doctor may recommend more tests to confirm a diagnosis.

Some of the tests that doctors usually do to confirm a diagnosis of DVT are:

• Ultrasound of swollen legs or other parts to measure blood flow
• A blood test (D-Dimeer) measures substances in the blood that are released when a blood clot dissolves. If the test shows a high content of the substance, you may have deep vein blood clots

In rare cases when the diagnosis is suspected but ultrasound and blood tests are inconclusive, the doctor may also perform a special X-ray (venography) in which a dye is injected into a vein to see if there is a clot blocking blood flow.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat DVT?

Some lifestyle and home remedies that may help you cope deep vein thrombosis is:

• Take blood thinners as prescribed by your doctor, and get a blood test international normalized ratio (INR) periodically to monitor the level of your blood viscosity after regularly taking the drug.
• Follow your doctor's advice about losing weight and exercising more to lower the risk of DVT recurrence.
• Walk and stretch your legs if you sit for long periods of time.
• Call your doctor before you go on a long trip and ask your doctor about taking aspirin if you are no longer taking warfarin.
• Try raising your legs while sitting or lying down.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.