Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg or thigh, and disrupts normal blood flow to the heart. This can cause various complications. Normally, your body forms blood clots to stop excessive bleeding, like when you get injured. These clots usually dissolve on their own as you heal, but sometimes they don’t and can pose a health risk, leading to DVT. It can even happen without a specific trigger.
In the United States, roughly 900,000 people deal with DVT annually, and about a third of them face long-term complications. DVT can cause a serious issue called pulmonary embolism, where a blood clot travels to the lungs, usually starting from a clot in a leg’s deep vein. Surprisingly, nearly half of those with DVT don’t show symptoms, but when they do, they often affect one side of the body in the larger veins of the thigh or lower leg.
Anyone can develop DVT, especially if something slows blood flow enough for a clot to form. A common risk factor is being inactive for long periods. Leading a sedentary lifestyle is particularly risky, along with other reasons for prolonged immobility. Certain medications and health conditions also heighten the risk of developing DVT.
Diagnosing DVT involves a thorough check-up by a healthcare provider, possibly with the help of a vascular specialist. The process includes discussing symptoms, medical history, a physical exam, and some blood or imaging tests. The D-dimer test, which looks for specific substances in your blood, can help identify a blood clot. Another method is a compression ultrasound, which uses sound waves to check deep veins in the legs for clots. If the diagnosis isn’t clear, magnetic resonance venography might be used to get detailed images of your veins, sometimes with a special dye to enhance visibility.
Most people can manage DVT at home, but severe cases or complications may require hospitalization. Treatment often involves blood-thinning medications to prevent clots from growing and to lower the risk of pulmonary embolism. If blood thinners aren’t suitable, alternative procedures might be recommended. Severe DVT cases might need localized thrombolytics to dissolve large clots, though this is rare.
A catheter-assisted removal procedure can also be used, where a tube is inserted via a vein to reach and break up the clot. Elastic compression stockings are sometimes used alongside other treatments. A study from 2022 indicated that wearing these stockings for two years reduced the chance of post-thrombotic syndrome, which involves chronic pain or swelling.
Regular exercise is the best way to prevent DVT. If you’re sitting for long periods, such as during lengthy trips, take breaks every hour or two to walk around. Leg exercises while seated can help too. Wearing loose-fitting clothes can also improve circulation and reduce DVT risk.
DVT can cause thrombophlebitis, an inflammation of the affected vein, leading to pain, warmth, redness, and swelling. If a clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, the most serious complication of DVT, as it blocks blood flow to vital organs.
DVT is a serious condition that can affect anyone and typically doesn’t resolve on its own. It’s important to be aware of DVT symptoms like unexplained swelling, cramping, or tenderness. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, aim to increase daily physical activity and discuss any potential risk factors with your healthcare provider. Many people remain unaware of having DVT until it causes a major issue like a pulmonary embolism. Immediate medical evaluation is crucial if you notice symptoms such as redness, swelling, or tenderness in any area. While small clots might dissolve independently, DVT generally requires prompt medical intervention due to its potential to cause life-threatening blockages, especially if a clot travels to an area like the lungs, complicating breathing.
