July 27, 2023 | Deep vein thrombosis is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep in the body. Most deep vein clots occur in the legs or hips but they also can occur in other parts of the body. Blood clots in the thigh veins are usually more serious than blood clots that happen in your lower leg. If a clot in a vein breaks off and travels through your bloodstream, it can lodge in your lung. This is called a pulmonary embolism, which is a very serious condition that can sometimes prove fatal. Blood clots can also occur in veins that are close to the surface of the skin. These clots are called superficial venous thrombosis, more commonly known as phlebitis. Blood clots in superficial veins cannot travel to the lungs. Such clots are most often caused by prolonged inactivity, such as sitting during a long period of travel in an airplane or car or lengthy bed rest after surgery. The inactivity decreases blood flow through the veins and may cause a clot to form.

July 27, 2023 | The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as many as 900,000 people in the U.S. could be affected by deep vein thrombosis or DVT. DVT occurs when a blood clot, or thrombus, forms within one of the deep veins. There are a number of factors that can affect blood flow in the deep veins and increase the risk for developing blood clots. The older you get, the higher the risk for developing for DVT. People who have a family history of DVT or pulmonary embolism or for having certain types of cancers are also at risk. Smoking, having a vein disease such as varicose veins and being overweight can also increase the chances of developing DVT. A broken hip or leg, or having major surgery on your hip, knee or lower leg can affect normal blood flow and clotting. In these orthopaedic situations, three primary factors contribute to the formation of blood clots in veins, slow blood flow, hypercoagulation, and damage to the veins.

July 27, 2023 | Only about half of the people with deep vein thrombosis or DVT will display symptoms. The symptoms may include swelling of the leg, pain or tenderness that may only be present when standing or walking, red or discolored skin and a feeling of increased warmth in the area of the leg that is swollen. Some people only find out they have DVT after the clot has moved from the leg and traveled to the lung, causing a pulmonary embolism. It is important to see a doctor right away if you have symptoms of a pulmonary embolism or DVT. An ultrasound, a test to diagnose deep vein clots, uses sound waves to evaluate the flow of blood in your veins. Venography may be performed if the ultrasound does not provide a clear diagnosis. A venogram is an X-ray used to examine veins. A dye is injected into a vein and an X-ray is taken of the leg. The dye makes the vein visible on the X-ray and if the blood flow in the vein is slowed, it will show on the X-ray.

July 27, 2023 | The main goals in treating deep vein thrombosis are to stop the clot from getting bigger, to prevent the clot from breaking off in your vein and moving to your lungs and to reduce your chance of having another blood clot. Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, are often prescribed to treat or prevent DVT because they decrease your blood’s ability to clot. They don’t break up blood clots already formed, however. Thrombolytics are medications given to quickly dissolve the blood clot. They are used to treat large clots causing severe symptoms. Because they can cause sudden bleeding, they are only used in life-threatening situations. Your doctor may prescribe graduated compression stockings or support hose to reduce the chronic swelling that can occur in the leg after a blood clot has developed. In rare instances, insertion of a filter into the main vein in your abdomen is needed to prevent clots that break loose in leg veins from lodging in your lungs.

July 27, 2023 | If you are planning to take a long-distance trip this summer, it’s a good idea to consult a physician to find out whether or not you are at risk for deep vein thrombosis or DVT. The inactivity associated with such a trip decreases blood flow through your veins and may cause a clot to form. The best way to avoid DVT while traveling is to walk around as often as possible. Stopping the car at least once an hour to stretch your legs is recommended. If you are seated for a long period, such as on a plane or a train, move your legs regularly, flexing your ankles or pressing your feet against the seat in front of you. It’s also a good idea to wear support stockings because they compress your legs to help promote circulation and fluid movement. Wear loose-fitting clothing, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol consumption, as it promotes fluid loss. And if you’re not allergic to aspirin, consider taking one just before a long trip as it helps slow your blood’s clotting action.