What is DVT Deep Vein Thrombosis? What are deep vein thrombosis symptoms and treatment? Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) inside a blood vessel, causing an obstruction. This can occur in both veins and arteries. Most venous thrombosis occurs in the lower extremities. Depending on which veins the clots occur in, it is called Deep Vein Thrombosis or superficial vein thrombosis.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the one that settles on the veins that go through the inside of the legs, thighs, pelvis and abdomen and is the most dangerous since the thrombus can travel to the lungs and can leave significant sequelae in the return circulation of the legs.
What are Deep Vein Thrombosis causes and risk factors?
In many cases, the cause of this pathology is unknown. Deep Vein Thrombosis can occur after surgical interventions (orthopedic surgeries such as hip, knee, etc., are very risky), prolonged bed rest, infectious diseases, tumors, and dehydration. In general, any circumstance or factor that leads to blood flowing at a slower rate or clotting more than usual can lead to the formation of a thrombus. Likewise, lesions in the inner layer of a vein, usually caused by trauma or other circumstances, are risk factors for thrombus formation.
Venous thrombosis is more frequent as we age. For this reason, being over 60 increases the risk of a thrombus -although it can occur at any age. Leading a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, obese or having other diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, and having a personal or family history of having suffered previous episodes of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism can also play a role. The risk of excessive clotting is more significant if, for example, you have hereditary diseases related to blood clotting, take hormone replacement therapy or take oral contraceptives.
What are Deep Vein Thrombosis symptoms?
The Deep Vein Thrombosis symptoms are pain and swelling. When blood clots are more than usual, thrombi can form. In some cases, we see no signs. The sudden increase in the extremity volume (edema) with a sensation of numbness, pain and inflammation can make us suspect a deep vein thrombosis. A varicose vein’s pain and hardening are also characteristic of superficial vein thrombosis.
As a result, DVT often goes undiagnosed and, therefore, untreated. In this case, it can lead to disability, or if the blood clot travels (called an embolus) to the lung and there blocks a blood vessel, it can lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Fortunately, this can be prevented and, in its early stages, when successfully diagnosed at the USA Vein Clinic.
Who is affected?
DVT is a more common disease than we think and is often misdiagnosed despite being severe. Women indeed have more Deep Vein Thrombosis because there are more varicose veins in the female sexual category.
Is there Deep Vein Thrombosis treatment?
Deep Vein Thrombosis treatment can successfully take place when diagnosed early. The main objective of Deep Vein Thrombosis treatment is to prevent the clot from growing, from dislodging -with the consequent risk of it reaching the lungs- and from forming other clots in the future or developing late complications.
To achieve this, in the initial phases of Deep Vein Thrombosis treatment, injectable anticoagulant drugs such as heparin are commonly used, which is very convenient, and later, oral anticoagulant drugs are changed.
Elastic compression stockings are part of the Deep Vein Thrombosis treatment to favor the resolution of the thrombus since they provide immediate relief, reduce edema and prevent the appearance of subsequent complications.
For now, patients with varicose veins should be evaluated by the specialist at the USA Vein Clinic to assess whether they require diagnosis on DVT.