Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs. It can be life-threatening if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).
🔍 Causes and Risk Factors
- Prolonged immobility (e.g., long flights, bed rest, surgery)
- Injury or surgery (especially to the legs or pelvis)
- Certain medical conditions (e.g., cancer, heart failure)
- Hormonal factors (e.g., birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy)
- Pregnancy and postpartum period
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Age > 60
- Genetic clotting disorders (e.g., Factor V Leiden)
🚨 Symptoms
Sometimes there are no symptoms, but common signs include:
- Swelling in one leg (rarely both)
- Pain or tenderness in the leg, often in the calf
- Warmth in the affected area
- Red or discolored skin
- Leg cramps, especially at night or when walking
If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid pulse, or coughing up blood, seek emergency help immediately—these may indicate a pulmonary embolism.
🧪 Diagnosis
- Duplex ultrasound (most common test)
- D-dimer blood test (helps rule out DVT)
- Venography (invasive, rarely used)
- MRI or CT scan (if pelvic DVT is suspected)
💊 Treatment
1. Anticoagulant Medications (Blood Thinners)
- Heparin (IV or injection) – fast-acting
- Warfarin (Coumadin) – oral, long-term
- DOACs (e.g., apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran) – oral, increasingly preferred
2. Thrombolytics
- Used for severe DVT or PE (e.g., alteplase) – higher bleeding risk
3. Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter
- Inserted in the vena cava to catch clots (for patients who can’t take blood thinners)
4. Compression Stockings
- Prevent swelling and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS)
🛡️ Prevention
- Stay active, especially during long trips (stand, stretch, walk)
- Hydration
- Avoid prolonged immobility
- Use compression stockings after surgery or long hospital stays
- Follow anticoagulant regimen if at risk
🧠 Complications
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) – medical emergency
- Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) – chronic pain, swelling, and skin changes
- Recurrent DVT