Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is a condition that happens when blood clots form in deep veins which are located in the centre of the leg. Most of the time, DVT develops in the deep veins of the lower leg. But it can also spread up to the deep veins in the thigh, but it rarely develops in the arms.

Causes

People who are over 40 or very tall or obese are most likely to get DVT. You can also get DVT if you have a family history of blood clots, if you travel a lot, if you've had cancer or cancer treatment, blood circulation problems, blood diseases, heart diseases or have had recent surgery on the hips or knees. Women who are on the birth control pill, take hormone replacement therapy (HRT), are pregnant or have recently had a baby are also more prone to DVT.

Symptoms

The blood clots that develop in your deep veins are usually small and this condition does not have any symptoms. When the blood clots are small, your body can break down the clots itself without any effects or problems. But when the blood are large, it may block the veins and cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, and reddening of the affected leg.

If these deep veins are not treated, it can cause several complications such as:

• Pulmonary Embolism (PE): This complication happens when a blood clot breaks off from a DVT, travels through the bloodstream to the lungs and blocks an artery. This is fatal and can cause chest pain and shortness of breath. Those who show signs of PE should seek treatment right away.
• Post-thrombotic syndrome: This complication happens when a valve is damaged in the deep veins. So, instead of the blood pumping upwards, it sinks down into the leg causing swelling and leg ulcers.
• Limb Ischaemia: This complication happens only if a person has severe DVT. It obstructs blood to the arteries because of the high-pressure in the deep vein causing less oxygen to be carried to the affected leg.

Treatment

Heparin and Warfarin are the most common medications used to treat DVT. They stop the blood clots from forming. However, you should also take certain precautions while taking these medications. You should not take it if you are pregnant, eat or drink cranberry products or do any activities that could increase your risk to injury. Doctors also recommend compression stockings for patients to use to relieve the pain and swelling. You may be required to wear them for two years or more after suffering from DVT.