Deep Vein Thrombosis – All you need to know

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the blood clot formation that forms in one or more of the deep veins in the human body, usually in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling, but also can occur with no symptoms. The formation of a blood clot within the blood vessel is a deadly situation because it prevents blood from flowing normally through the circulatory system.

Deep vein thrombosis develops when an individual has certain medical conditions. It can also happen if people do not move for a long period of time, such as after surgery or an accident, or when they are confined to a bed.

Deep vein thrombosis can be very serious because blood clots in the veins can break loose, travel through the bloodstream and lodge in the lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism).

As far as the symptoms of Deep vein thrombosis are concerned, these include swelling in the affected leg. Rarely, there’s swelling in both legs. Some more symptoms are:-

• Pain in the leg. The pain often starts in the calf and can feel like cramping or soreness.
• Red or discolored skin on the leg.
• A feeling of warmth in the affected leg.

Barring the visible symptoms, it is important to note that Deep vein thrombosis can also occur without noticeable symptoms. It is advised to seek immediate medical help if anyone develops signs or symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism — a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis.

While it is difficult to detect DVT beforehand, here are some of the risk factors you must be aware about:

• If the patient has already suffered a blood clot once in life
• If the patient’s family history shows a case of DVT
• If the patient is pregnant
• If the patient is suffering through other health issues like heart diseases, lung disease or inflammatory bowel disease

Advanced protection, also called prophylaxis, for DVT is a lot comforting than treating it. Patients are taken under evaluation for risk of DVT and are treated with appropriate prophylaxis while in the hospital. Prophylaxis can possibly include:

• Experiencing frequent ambulation and simple leg exercises to help keep blood moving.
• Medications such as blood thinners. Certain number of patients may be at high risk for using blood thinners. In that case, compression stockings or a compression sleeve/pump will be placed on the patient’s legs or feet to help squeeze blood out and prevent clots from forming.
• Mechanical devices such as a compression pump. It is always necessary for the patient to keep the compression sleeve/pump on , except when walking.

The goal of treatment is to prevent the clot from getting bigger and to stop it from breaking loose and causing pulmonary embolism, avoid complications of DVT and also prevent possible medication-related complications.

The CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon strives to provide you the best treatment with utmost care.

Connect with our team of experts from the Advanced Surgical Sciences Department today!