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Health See other Health Articles Title: Deep Vein Thrombosis What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis? Deep vein thrombosis refers to a blood clot that develops inside a larger vein -- usually deep within the lower leg or thigh. DVT strikes about half a million Americans every year and causes up to 100,000 deaths. The danger is that part of the clot can break off and travel through the bloodstream, where it can lodge in the lungs causing a blockage in blood flow, organ damage, and death. Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis Unfortunately, DVT often goes unnoticed. About half of people with DVT have no warning signs. Symptoms may include: Redness Swelling Tenderness or pain These happen in the area of the blood clot, which is usually the leg (notice the swelling in the leg below the right knee seen here). Dangers of DVT: Pulmonary Embolism If part of the clot breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream, the results can be life-threatening. A clot that blocks the blood supply to the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism. Symptoms include trouble breathing, low blood pressure, fainting, faster heart rate, chest pain, and coughing up blood. If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 and seek immediate emergency care. What Causes DVT? Anything that damages the inner lining of a vein may cause DVT, including surgery, injury, or an immune system response. Blood that is thick or flows too slowly is more likely to form a clot, especially in a vein that is already damaged. Other things that raise the risk for blood clotting include genetic disorders, hormone changes, and sitting for long periods of time (such as when flying). Who’s at Risk for DVT? People with a higher risk of DVT include: People who have cancer People who have had surgery Anyone on extended bed rest The elderly Smokers Long-distance travelers People who are overweight or obese DVT and Pregnancy Women have a greater risk of developing DVT during pregnancy and the four to six weeks after giving birth. This is due to higher levels of estrogen, which may make blood easier to clot. The pressure of an expanding uterus can also slow blood flow of the veins as well. Certain blood disorders can boost the risk even more. DVT and Hormonal Birth Control Like pregnancy, hormonal birth control and postmenopausal hormone therapy change blood chemistry and may increase risk of DVT, even in women who don't have blood disorders. DVT and Travel Traveling to new and faraway places can be exciting. Squishing into a coach seat for a long international flight is not. Studies show long-distance travel lasting more than four hours doubles the risk of developing DVT. This includes travel by air, bus, train, or car. Not moving around in these cramped conditions can cause sluggish blood flow. Diagnosing DVT An ultrasound is most often used to diagnose DVT. It uses sound waves to create a picture of blood flow in the affected area and can reveal a clot. Before recommending an ultrasound, your health care provider will examine you and check for signs of DVT. Other tests, including a blood test called a D-Dimer, may also be useful in diagnosing DVT. You may be asked about your medical history, medications you are taking, family history, and about any other factors that could raise your risk of DVT. Treating DVT: Anticoagulants Anticoagulants, which make the blood thinner, are the most common DVT treatment. They are taken as a pill or by injection. They can’t break up an existing clot, but they prevent new blood clots from forming, giving the body time to dissolve the clot on its own. Treating DVT: Clot Busters Medications that actually dissolve blood clots are called thrombolytics. They can cause sudden, severe bleeding, so they are used only in emergencies: for example, to dissolve a life-threatening blood clot that's traveled to the lungs and is causing severe symptoms. Thrombolytics are given by IV in a hospital. Side Effects of DVT Medications Because anticoagulants thin the blood, people who take them may get bruises often or bleed more easily. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening, so if you take an anticoagulant, your doctor can test your blood to make sure it's not too thin. Some newer medications do not require routine lab monitoring of their blood-thinning effect. Warning Signs of Internal Bleeding Signs of internal bleeding in the belly include pain, vomit that is red or looks like coffee grounds, and bright red or black stools. Bleeding in the brain can cause severe headache or symptoms of stroke such as vision changes, abnormal movement, and confusion. Call 911 and go to the emergency room if you develop any of these symptoms. Also check with your health care provider if you bleed a lot from minor injuries. Treating DVT: Vena Cava Filter If you can't take anticoagulants or they are not working, your doctor may recommend inserting a filter into a large vein called the vena cava. This filter catches breakaway clots and prevents them from traveling to the lungs. The filter won't stop new clots from forming or cure DVT itself, but it can help prevent a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Treating DVT: Compression Stockings Compression stockings apply pressure to keep the blood in the legs from pooling and clotting. They reduce swelling and help relieve discomfort in a leg where a clot has already formed. You can get compression stockings over the counter or by prescription. Prescription stockings provide greater pressure. Treating DVT: Home Care To reduce swelling and discomfort, keep the affected leg raised when possible. If your doctor has recommended compression stockings, be sure to wear them even when you're at home. Long-Term Complications of DVT Once a blood clot is gone, DVT sometimes leaves behind an unpleasant calling card. You may have long-term swelling, changes in skin color, and pain where the clot was. These symptoms, known as post-thrombotic syndrome, sometimes show up even a year after the clot. Preventing DVT: Exercise Being active increases blood flow, keeping it from pooling and clotting. Exercising the lower leg muscles in particular can help prevent DVT. When you're not active -- at your desk, for example -- take breaks to stretch your legs. Get up and walk around if you can. Frequent exercise also reduces the risk of obesity, which contributes to DVT risk. Preventing DVT: Travel Tips When traveling for more than four hours, avoid tight clothing and drink plenty of water. Get up and walk around at least every two to three hours. If you have to stay in your seat, find ways to keep legs active. Try clenching and releasing your leg muscles or lifting and lowering your heels with your toes on the floor. And be sure to do plenty of sightseeing by foot once you arrive. View our slideshows to learn more about your health. Heart Foods Heart Foods 23 foods that can save your heart. Bad Hair? Bad Hair? What your hair says about your health. Understanding Depression Understanding Depression Sadness, or something more serious? Pet Inspiration Pet Inspiration 20 things you can learn from your pet. Sleep Disorders Sleep Disorders All about insomnia and sleep issues. Slideshows A-Z Slideshows A-Z Browse WebMD's slideshow library. Related Reading Preventing Blood Clots: Travel Tips Blood Clots: What You Need to Know DVT: When to Call a Doctor Have Your Siblings Had Blood Clots? Height, Obesity Raise Blood Clot Risk Sitting, Pulmonary Embolism Linked Community: Thrombosis Video: Ultrasound for Blood Clots Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest Begin Trace Mode for Comment # 1.
#1. To: Tatarewicz, 4 (#0)
I had a DVT in my right leg, which was found quite by accident. My therapy included a 10-day treatment with Lovenox, which is self-injected into the belly. It was quite a sucky experience, but I consider myself lucky that it was found before it had the chance to cause real trouble.
#2. To: Jethro Tull (#1)
Oh come on, Lovenox is fun! What would you do without all that burning? I've gotten so good at those shots I don't even get bruises from them. I had my first DVT in 2005. I knew I had a clot but it took two trips to the emergency room before they found it. I don't see how you could have a clot and not know it but then I never understood how some women can be pregnant and not know it either. I self diagnosed every clot I've had. My gynecologist did tests to find out why I was clotting so much. Turns out I have Lupus anticoagulant antibodies. I haven't had a clot since I started on the rat poison. I'll be on that the rest of my life.
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