Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs in a lot of people, and it’s one of the most common conditions that affect the veins in the world.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a thrombus that’s developed into deep veins inside the body due to damage in these veins or a problem in the blood flow, and these blood clots could block the vein partially or completely. In most of the cases, DVT occurs in the deep veins of the lower leg, thigh, or pelvic, but it can also occur in any place in the body, like the intestines, liver, kidney, arm, or brain.

DVT could occur at any age, but it’s more common at ages older than 60.

Causes and risk factors leading to deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

There are numerous reasons and factors that increase the risk of DVT, such as:

• Lack of movement, which, in turn, makes the calf muscles not contract enough. This condition occurs more frequently in patients who have conditions that make them lay down in bed for a long time, sitting for a long time, and not being able to move due to an injury or a surgery.
• An inherited condition that increases the risk of blood clots.
• Family history.
• Pregnancy and delivering a baby.
• Taking contraceptive or hormonal drugs.
• Obesity and overweight.
• Some cancers and chemotherapy.
• Smoking and tobacco products.
• Having other health conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, lupus, varicose veins, and vasculitis.
• Having a central venous catheter or pacemaker.

Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Many cases of DVT don’t show any symptoms, and some of them might show mild symptoms that don’t raise any concern. Acute DVT symptoms include the following:

• Leg or arm swelling, which might occur suddenly.
• Pain and warmth in the swelling area.
• Skin redness or discolorations.
• Superficial veins might be enlarged.
• Abdominal or flank pain if the clot was in the abdomen.
• Severe headache with or without seizures in the clot was in the brain.
• In a lot of cases, DVT causes pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the clot moves from its place to the lung. Some of the symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, bloody cough, lightheadedness, and fainting.

Diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

• Physical examination.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

• The treatment depends mainly on preventing the clot to become bigger in addition to preventing it from breaking off and moving from its place to the lungs.
• The treatments include bloodthinners, compression stocking, and some procedures to remove the blood clot.
• The patient must follow specific instructions, such as laying down and raising the legs 12-16 cm, exercising the calf muscles, and frequent walking during long sitting.

Prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

• Move your legs frequently during long sitting.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid smoking.
• Managing obesity and overweight.