What are the main causes of blood clots in the legs. How can you recognize the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. What are effective strategies to prevent blood clots during long periods of inactivity.

Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Its Implications

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition that occurs when blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs. These clots can pose significant health risks, particularly if they break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE). The severity of this condition is underscored by the fact that PE-related deaths in the United States annually surpass those caused by breast cancer.

DVT typically affects the large veins in the lower legs and thighs, although it can occur in other parts of the body. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing how to prevent blood clots are crucial steps in maintaining vascular health and avoiding potentially life-threatening complications.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Blood Clots in the Legs

Several factors can contribute to the formation of blood clots in the legs. These include:

• Extended periods of immobility, such as being bedridden due to surgery or illness
• Prolonged sitting during long-distance travel (car, plane, or train journeys)
• Sedentary lifestyle with insufficient physical activity
• Improper blood flow due to malfunctioning valves in superficial veins (varicose veins)
• Certain medications that promote blood clotting

Additionally, various risk factors can increase an individual’s susceptibility to blood clots:

• Advanced age
• Family history of DVT
• Previous DVT occurrence
• Cancer
• Genetic predisposition
• COVID-19 infection
• Heart failure
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell disease
• Smoking
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke
• Untreated varicose veins
• Use of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy

Recognizing the Symptoms of Blood Clots in the Legs

Identifying the symptoms of blood clots in the legs is crucial for early detection and treatment. There are two main types of blood clots that can form in the legs:

Superficial Venous Thrombosis (SVT)

SVT occurs in the superficial veins and is characterized by:

• Redness over the affected area
• Tenderness or pain, often associated with varicose veins

It’s important to note that an SVT can potentially progress into a deep vein thrombosis if left untreated.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

DVT typically affects one leg and presents with the following symptoms:

• Sudden swelling in one leg
• Pain or discomfort in the affected leg

If you notice unexplained swelling in one leg that develops over a few days, it could be a sign of DVT and warrants immediate medical attention.

The Danger of Pulmonary Embolism: A Serious Complication of DVT

A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a part of a deep vein blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs. This serious complication can be life-threatening and is characterized by:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain, particularly when taking a deep breath

PE results in reduced blood flow to the affected part of the lung, potentially causing tissue death. Due to its severity, any symptoms suggesting a PE should be treated as a medical emergency.

Preventive Measures: Strategies to Avoid Blood Clots

While the risk of blood clots can’t be eliminated entirely, there are several strategies you can employ to reduce your risk, especially during situations that increase your vulnerability, such as long-distance travel:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol intake.
2. Regular movement: Get up and move around every hour or two to promote blood circulation.
3. Leg exercises: Stretch your calves or move your ankles back and forth periodically, even while seated.
4. Compression stockings: Wear these to prevent swelling and promote blood flow in your legs.
5. Proper positioning: Avoid crossing your legs for extended periods and change your position regularly while seated.
6. Strategic seating: Opt for an aisle seat during travel to facilitate easy movement.

For individuals with a higher risk of DVT, consulting with a healthcare provider about additional preventive measures may be beneficial.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Suspected Blood Clots

If you experience symptoms that suggest the possibility of a DVT or PE, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Dr. Sherry Scovell, a vascular surgeon specializing in venous disease at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasizes, “It’s an emergency, not something to check out on Monday if it’s Friday.”

Prompt medical evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Typically, treatment for DVT involves taking blood thinners for several months or longer. Healthcare providers will also investigate the underlying cause of the blood clot to determine the appropriate duration of treatment and prevent future occurrences.

Technological Aids in Assessing DVT Risk

In the age of digital health, there are now apps available to help individuals assess their risk of developing DVT. Dr. Scovell recommends the “Caprini DVT Risk” app, available on iOS devices. This tool can be valuable in understanding your personal risk factors and taking appropriate preventive measures.

Long-term Management and Prevention of Recurrent Blood Clots

For individuals who have experienced a blood clot, ongoing management and prevention of recurrence are crucial. This may involve:

• Extended use of blood thinners
• Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers
• Lifestyle modifications to address risk factors
• Continued vigilance in recognizing symptoms

Healthcare providers will work with patients to develop a personalized plan for long-term management, taking into account individual risk factors and medical history.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies for blood clots in the legs is essential for maintaining vascular health. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing these potentially dangerous conditions. Remember, when it comes to blood clots, prompt recognition and action can be life-saving.

Top causes of blood clots in the legs and how to avoid them

Don’t let a plane ride or an extended couch potato session put you at risk. Here’s what to do to keep your blood flowing.

Blood clots that form in the deep veins of the legs (deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT) can cause leg symptoms. Worse, the clots can break loose and travel through the blood to the heart and then to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).

More people die from PE each year in the United States than from breast cancer. What causes DVT and PE, what are the symptoms, and how can you prevent them?

Causes and triggers

After your arteries bring oxygen-rich blood to your legs, your veins send the blood back up to your heart and lungs (for more oxygen).

“If blood in the deep leg veins doesn’t move fast enough, or if you have a condition that makes you prone to blood clots, a blood clot can develop,” explains Dr. Sherry Scovell, a vascular surgeon who specializes in venous disease at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.

Common blood clot triggers include

• being bedridden for long periods because of surgery or illness
• sitting for long periods — even three to four hours — in a car, plane, or train
• getting too little activity and sitting too much
• having blood pool in your legs because valves in a superficial vein don’t work properly (a varicose vein)
• taking a medication that promotes blood clotting.

Your risk for blood clots also increases with older age, a family history of DVT, a previous DVT, cancer, certain genes, COVID-19, heart failure, obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, smoking, spinal cord injury, stroke, untreated varicose veins, and use of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.

Symptoms and risks

Be on the lookout for symptoms of two types of blood clots that can form in the legs.

A blood clot in the superficial veins. This is called a superficial venous thrombosis (SVT). “It causes redness, tenderness, or pain over varicose veins,” Dr. Scovell says. “Sometimes, an SVT can grow and become a deep-vein thrombosis.”

A blood clot in the deep leg veins. A DVT usually begins in one leg. “When you get a blockage, the blood can’t leave your leg easily. That leg can become swollen rather suddenly, and painful,” Dr. Scovell says. If your legs don’t normally get swollen, but one leg becomes swollen over a few days, that may be a sign of danger.

If part of that deep-vein clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, a PE occurs. “The clot gets stuck in blood vessels in the lung, you stop getting enough blood flow there, and that part of the lung dies. You have shortness of breath and chest pain when you take in a deep breath,” Dr. Scovell says.

Avoiding blood clots

There are apps available to help you determine your risk for getting a DVT. Dr. Scovell recommends an app called “Caprini DVT Risk,” available on iOS devices, such as an iPhone.

How can you avoid getting a clot when you’re stuck in situations that increase your risk, such as a long car ride? Keep the following tips in mind.

Stay hydrated. Avoid excessive alcohol intake, and drink lots of water.

Stretch your legs. Get up every hour or two and stretch your calves or move your ankles back and forth repeatedly. “The calf muscles act like pumps and propel blood through the veins,” Dr. Scovell says.

Move your legs while you’re lying down. Bend your knees, or point and flex your feet.

Wear compression stockings. They’ll help prevent swelling and keep blood from pooling in the legs.

Pay attention to your position. Avoid crossing your legs, and periodically change your position while seated.

Get an aisle seat when traveling. On a plane, train, or bus, sit in an aisle seat so you can easily get up and move around every few hours.

What if you have symptoms?

If you have new symptoms indicating the possibility of a DVT or a PE, and if you can’t speak immediately to your doctor or nurse, go to the emergency room. “It’s an emergency, not something to check out on Monday if it’s Friday,” Dr. Scovell says.

Treatment typically involves taking a blood thinner for several months or longer. “We also have to figure out why you got the blood clot. If we can’t find a reason, you may need to take a blood thinner for a longer time,” Dr. Scovell says. “And we don’t want you to ever get a blood clot again, so you’ll need to be proactive about avoiding future risks.”

Image: © gradyreese/Getty Images

Deep vein thrombosis Information | Mount Sinai

DVT; Blood clot in the legs; Thromboembolism; Post-phlebitic syndrome; Post-thrombotic syndrome; Venous – DVT

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside a part of the body. It mainly affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh, but can occur in other deep veins, such as in the arms and pelvis.

This picture shows a red and swollen thigh and leg caused by a blood clot (thrombus) in the deep veins in the groin (iliofemoral veins) which prevents normal return of blood from the leg to the heart.

Veins in the extremities carry blood to the heart and lungs, where the blood is oxygenated. As the blood returns to the heart from the lungs, the arteries carry the oxygen-rich blood out to the body.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) affects mainly the veins in the lower leg and the thigh. It involves the formation of a clot (thrombus) in the larger veins of the area.

Veins in the extremities carry blood to the heart and lungs, where the blood is oxygenated. As the blood returns to the heart from the lungs, the arteries carry the oxygen-rich blood out to the body.

Veins carry blood back to the heart from the tissues. Blood flowing in the veins is under lower pressure and moves more slowly than blood flowing in the arteries. Blood is therefore more likely to clot in the veins, thus blocking the flow through the veins.

Causes

DVT is most common in adults over age 60. But it can occur at any age. When a clot breaks off and moves through the bloodstream, it is called an embolism. An embolism can get stuck in the blood vessels in the brain, lungs, heart, or another area, leading to severe damage.

Blood clots may form when something slows or changes the flow of blood in the veins. Risk factors include:

• A pacemaker catheter that has been passed through the vein in the groin
• Bed rest or sitting in one position for too long, such as plane travel
• Family history of blood clots
• Fractures in the pelvis or legs
• Giving birth within the last 6 months
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Recent surgery (most commonly hip, knee, or female pelvic surgery)
• Too many blood cells being made by the bone marrow, causing the blood to be thicker than normal (polycythemia vera)
• Having an indwelling (long-term) catheter in a blood vessel

Blood is more likely to clot in someone who has certain problems or disorders, such as:

• Cancer
• Certain autoimmune disorders, such as lupus
• Cigarette smoking
• Conditions that make it more likely to develop blood clots
• Taking estrogens or birth control pills (this risk is even higher with smoking)

Sitting for long periods when traveling can increase the risk for DVT. This is most likely when you also have one or more of the risk factors listed above.

Symptoms

DVT mainly affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh, most often on one side of the body. The clot can block blood flow and cause:

• Changes in skin color (redness)
• Leg pain
• Leg swelling (edema)
• Skin that feels warm to the touch

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. The exam may show a red, swollen, or tender leg.

The two tests that are often done first to diagnose a DVT are:

• D-dimer blood test
• Doppler ultrasound exam of the area of concern

A pelvic MRI may be done if the blood clot is in the pelvis, such as after pregnancy.

Blood tests may be done to check if you have an increased chance of blood clotting, including:

• Activated protein C resistance (checks for the Factor V Leiden mutation)
• Antithrombin III levels
• Antiphospholipid antibodies
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Genetic testing to look for mutations that make you more likely to develop blood clots, such as the prothrombin G20210A mutation
• Lupus anticoagulant
• Protein C and protein S levels

Treatment

Your provider will give you medicine to thin your blood (called an anticoagulant). This will keep more clots from forming or old ones from getting bigger.

Heparin is often the first medicine you will receive.

• If heparin is given through a vein (IV), you must stay in the hospital. However, most people can be treated without staying in the hospital.
• Low molecular weight heparin can be given by injection under your skin once or twice a day. You may not need to stay in the hospital as long, or at all, if you are prescribed this type of heparin.

One type of blood-thinning medicine called warfarin (Coumadin or Jantoven) may be started along with heparin. Warfarin is taken by mouth. It takes several days to fully work.

Another class of blood thinners works differently than warfarin. Examples of this class of medicines, called direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC), include:

• Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
• Apixaban (Eliquis)
• Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
• Edoxaban (Savaysa)

These drugs work in a similar way to heparin and can be used right away in place of heparin. Your provider will decide which medicine is right for you.

You will most likely take a blood thinner for at least 3 months. Some people take it longer, or even for the rest of their lives, depending on their risk for another clot.

When you are taking a blood thinning medicine, you are more likely to bleed, even from activities you have always done. If you are taking a blood thinner at home:

• Take the medicine just the way your provider prescribed it.
• Ask the provider what to do if you miss a dose.
• Get blood tests as advised by your provider to make sure you are taking the right dose. These tests are usually needed with people who are taking warfarin.
• Learn how to take other medicines and when to eat.
• Find out how to watch for problems caused by the medicine.

In rare cases, you may need surgery instead of or in addition to anticoagulants. Surgery may involve:

• Placing a filter in the body’s largest vein to prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs
• Removing a large blood clot from the vein or injecting clot-busting medicines

Follow any other instructions you are given to treat your DVT.

Outlook (Prognosis)

DVT often goes away without a problem, but the condition can return. The symptoms can appear right away or you may not develop them for 1 or more years afterward. Wearing compression stockings during and after the DVT may help prevent this problem.

Possible Complications

Complications of DVT may include:

• Fatal pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the thigh are more likely to break off and travel to the lungs than blood clots in the lower leg or other parts of the body)
• Constant pain and swelling (post-phlebitic or post-thrombotic syndrome)
• Varicose veins
• Non-healing ulcers (less common)
• Changes in skin color

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have symptoms of DVT.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have DVT and you develop:

• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting
• Loss of consciousness
• Other severe symptoms

Prevention

To prevent DVT:

• Move your legs often during long plane trips, car trips, and other situations in which you are sitting or lying down for long periods.
• Take blood-thinning medicines your provider prescribes.
• DO NOT smoke. Talk to your provider if you need help quitting.

Kabrhel C. Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 74.

Lockhart ME, Umphrey HR, Weber TM, Robbin ML. Peripheral vessels. In: Rumack CM, Levine D, eds. Diagnostic Ultrasound. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 27.

Siegal D, Lim W. Venous thromboembolism. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 142.

Stevens SM, Woller SC, Kreuziger LB, et al. Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: second update of the CHEST guideline and expert panel report. Chest. 2021 Dec;160(6):e545-e608. Epub 2021 Aug 2. PMID: 34352278. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34352278/.

Last reviewed on: 1/25/2022

Reviewed by: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis

• July 13, 2021

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling, but may be asymptomatic.

• Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
• Causes of deep vein thrombosis
• Risk factors
• DVT complications
• Prevention of thrombosis

DVT may be associated with diseases that affect the blood clotting process. A blood clot in your legs can also form if you don’t move for a long time, such as after surgery or an accident. But walking extremely long distances can lead to blood clots.

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition because blood clots in your veins can travel through your bloodstream and get stuck in your lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism). However, pulmonary embolism may occur without evidence of DVT.

When DVT and pulmonary embolism occur at the same time, it is called venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of DVT:

• Swelling of the affected leg. In rare cases, swelling appears on both legs.
• Pain in the leg. The pain often starts in the calf and may feel like spasms or soreness.
• Red or discolored skin on the leg.
• Sensation of warmth in the affected leg.

Deep vein thrombosis may occur without noticeable symptoms.

When to see a doctor

If you have signs or symptoms of DVT, see your doctor.

If you have signs or symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis, seek emergency medical attention.

Call 103

Warning signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism include:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort that is aggravated by taking a deep breath or coughing.
• Feeling dizzy or dizzy or fainting
• Rapid pulse
• Fast breathing
• Cough with blood

Suspect deep vein thrombosis? Contact the professionals.

Causes

Anything that interferes with the normal flow or clotting of blood can cause blood clots.

The main causes of DVT are damage to the vein from surgery or trauma, and inflammation from infection or trauma.

Risk factors

Many factors can increase the risk of developing DVT, which include:

• Age. The risk of DVT increases at age 60, although it can occur at any age.
• Sitting for long periods of time, such as while driving or flying. When your legs remain motionless for several hours, your calf muscles do not contract. Muscle contractions promote blood circulation.
• Prolonged bed rest, such as during a long hospital stay or paralysis. Blood clots can form in the calves if the calf muscles are not used for a long time.
• Injury or surgery. Injury to the veins or surgery may increase the risk of blood clots.
• Pregnancy. Pregnancy increases pressure in the veins of the pelvis and legs. Women with an inherited bleeding disorder are at particular risk. The risk of blood clots as a result of pregnancy may remain up to six weeks after the baby is born.
• Contraceptive pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement therapy. Both factors can increase the ability of the blood to clot.
• Exposure to drugs or chemicals. Certain drugs can cause blood clots. Before use, consult your doctor.
• Overweight or obese. Excess weight increases pressure in the veins of the pelvis and legs.
• Smoking. Smoking affects clotting and circulation, which may increase the risk of DVT.
• Cancer. Some forms of cancer increase blood levels of substances that cause blood clotting. Some forms of cancer treatment also increase the risk of blood clots.
• Heart failure. Increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Because people with heart failure have limited heart and lung function, symptoms caused by even a small pulmonary embolism are more noticeable.
• Inflammatory bowel disease. Bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis increases the risk of DVT.
• Personal or family history of DVT or PE. If you or someone in your family has had one or both of these, you may be at greater risk of developing DVT.
• Genetics. Some people inherit genetic risk factors or disorders, such as factor V Leiden, that make their blood clot more easily. The hereditary disease itself may not cause blood clots unless it is combined with one or more other risk factors.
• Risk factor unknown. Sometimes a blood clot in a vein can occur without an obvious underlying risk factor. This is called unprovoked VTE.

Complications

Complications of DVT may include:

• Pulmonary embolism (PE). PE is a potentially life-threatening complication associated with DVT. This happens when a blood vessel in your lung is blocked by a clot that travels to your lung from another part of your body, usually your leg.
  If you have signs and symptoms of PE, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain when inhaling or coughing, rapid breathing, rapid pulse, feeling weak or faint, and coughing up blood can occur with PE.
• Post-phlebitic syndrome. Damage to a vein by a thrombus reduces blood flow to the affected areas, causing leg pain and swelling, skin discoloration, and skin ulcers.
• Complications of treatment. Complications may arise from blood thinners used to treat DVT. Bleeding is a side effect of anticoagulants. It is important to have regular blood tests while taking these medications.

Prophylaxis

Measures to prevent deep vein thrombosis include the following:

• Don’t sit still. If you have had surgery or otherwise been on bed rest, try to get back to work as soon as possible. If you are sitting for a while, do not cross your legs as this can block blood flow. If you are traveling long distances by car, stop about every hour and take a walk.
  If you are on an airplane, stand or walk from time to time. If you can’t do this, stretch your shins. Do some exercises. Try raising and lowering your heels while keeping your toes on the floor, then lift your toes while resting your heels on the floor.
• Do not smoke. Smoking increases the risk of developing DVT.
• Exercise and control your weight. Obesity is a risk factor for DVT. Regular exercise reduces the risk of blood clots, which is especially important for people who sit a lot or travel frequently.

16 Department of Vascular Surgery

Updated by experts. Last edited: July 13, 2021

Deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis

Content:

1. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – what is it?
2. Deep vein thrombosis is dangerous!
3. Deep vein thrombosis in varicose veins
4. Deep vein thrombosis – causes of DVT
5. Risk groups for deep vein thrombosis
6. What are the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
7. Deep vein thrombosis – diagnostics
8. Surgical treatments for deep vein thrombosis
9. Deep vein thrombosis – treatment in Moscow
10. Deep vein thrombosis – conservative treatment
11. Deep vein thrombosis medical treatment
12. Diet for deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities
13. Deep vein thrombosis – home treatment
14. Prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities
15. Deep vein thrombosis – testimonials from our patients
16. Frequently asked questions of our patients on the Internet about deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – what is it?

Deep vein thrombosis is a disease in which blood clots (thrombi) form in the lumen of deep veins. The lower extremities are most commonly affected.

Mechanism of development of deep vein thrombosis

When the disease develops, the health of deep vessels is at risk. If timely treatment is not prescribed, there can be serious consequences.

Deep vein thrombosis is dangerous!

This is what thrombosis of the glomerular veins of the lower extremities looks like

Due to the formation of blood clots, the normal blood flow is disturbed, and this leads to blockage of blood vessels. With such disorders, tissue necrosis can occur in some areas of the body. In the worst case, the formed blood clots break off and enter the heart or lung. In such cases, due to thromboembolism of the lung artery, the person dies.

Deep vein thrombosis – wikipedia says…

DVT is considered a pathological condition characterized by the formation of blood clots in the deep vein cavity. This disease occurs in 10-20% of the total population. 3-15% of people who do not receive proper treatment die from pulmonary embolism.

Deep vein thrombosis in varicose veins

Deep vein thrombosis is a very common complication of varicose veins.

Deep vein thrombosis is often a complication of varicose veins

The severity of the disease will depend on the location of the thrombus and its size. If there is no complete blockage of the vessel, there may be no symptoms of the disease.

Deep vein thrombosis – the causes of DVT

Deep vein thrombosis most often occurs with a combination of several factors:

• in violation of blood clotting;
• when slowing blood flow;
• in case of damage to the vascular walls.

There are risk factors that provoke the occurrence of thrombosis, these are:

• advanced age;
• smoking;
• overweight;
• use of certain drugs, including oral contraceptives;
• pregnancy and childbirth;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• some operations;
• injuries that damage blood vessels.

Risk groups for deep vein thrombosis

The risk group includes people who:

• varicose vein transformation;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• operations were performed on the extremities, as well as in the pelvis and abdomen;
• had leg bone fractures;
• there are tumors in the abdominal cavity, pelvis and retroperitoneal space;
• dyshormonal condition of the endocrine or reproductive system;
• positional compression syndrome.

What symptoms develop with deep vein thrombosis

As a rule, symptoms do not appear immediately, only if the thrombus grows. If a clot breaks off, shortness of breath, chest pain, and hemoptysis may occur.

The development of the disease can be recognized by the following symptoms:

• swelling of the legs;
• bluish skin tone;
• pain when walking.

The main symptom of deep vein thrombosis is leg pain!

If you have these signs, you most likely have deep vein thrombosis. Stages or variants of the course determine the method of treatment.

Deep vein thrombosis – diagnosis

The main method for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis today is ultrasound duplex scanning. With ultrasound, you can determine the location of the thrombus, its size, condition (it is attached to the walls of the vein or hangs in the lumen – floats).

Doctor Malakhov A.M. conducts ultrasound diagnostics of deep veins of the lower extremities

Also, phlebography and radionuclide scanning are prescribed to assess venous blood flow. The state of microcirculation is assessed based on the data of rheovasography.

Surgical treatment of deep vein thrombosis

If a patient has a severe form of thrombosis of the lower extremities, the most effective method of treatment is surgery – thrombolysis. A timely operation makes it possible to restore full blood flow, if the diagnosis is deep vein thrombosis. Only a timely intervention can completely cure the patient from this serious condition. Thrombolysis is performed only in stationary conditions and by very experienced endovascular surgeons. Treatment after surgery is also aimed at the same goal – the resorption of blood clots.

In addition to thrombolysis, there are two more surgical methods for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis – thrombectomy with angioplasty and installation of a cava filter for blood clots.

Surgical methods of treatment of deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis – treatment in Moscow

Modern Moscow medicine offers several methods of treating deep vein thrombosis, the use of which depends on the severity of the disease. In the early stages, thrombolytic drugs can be dispensed with if you have deep vein thrombosis. Treatment (Moscow is a city where there are world luminaries in phlebology) must be very qualified. In the later stages, such therapy is dangerous due to the possible separation of a blood clot and the occurrence of thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery. If severe circulatory disorders and deep vein thrombosis are observed, treatment is surgery (thrombectomy).

Deep vein thrombosis – conservative treatment

With conservative treatment, you can only stop or slow down the progression of the disease. Such therapy can also be prescribed in complex treatment.

Principles of conservative therapy:

• compression therapy (elastic compression) – the result of such an impact is the exclusion of the mechanisms of progress of varicose veins, without such therapy, conservative treatment is impossible;
• the required level of compression is achieved through the use of special knitwear (special medical device), in this case it is important to choose the right size of compression stockings;
• compression hosiery is able to relieve swelling, pain and fatigue of the lower extremities;
• the desired result is achieved with the constant application of elastic compression.

Deep vein thrombosis medical treatment

Course treatment with anticoagulants (drugs that prevent blood clotting) is implied. The average duration of such a course is at least 3 months, and sometimes longer. A combination of drugs that differ in the mechanism of action is envisaged. An important step in the medical treatment of DVT is the selection of blood-thinning drugs. To prevent complications from the gastrointestinal tract, some drugs are administered parenterally.

Pharmacotherapy is often done on an outpatient basis. In severe forms of the disease, patients who have suffered pulmonary embolism or vena cava thrombosis are annually hospitalized in a therapeutic or cardiology department for 2-3 weeks, where infusion hemorheological and cardiotonic therapy is performed.

Diet for deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities

For vein thrombosis, a diet should be followed, excluding foods containing significant amounts of vitamin K and C from the diet. Moderate fluid intake is also recommended.

Eat foods that thin the blood, such as garlic, peppers and artichokes.

Deep vein thrombosis – treatment at home

Today, along with traditional methods of treating the disease, traditional medicine is practiced if deep vein thrombosis is diagnosed. Treatment with folk remedies is used as an addition to the main treatment.

The first thing to do is thin the blood. If you have deep vein thrombosis, traditional treatment includes the following foods:

• onion and garlic;
• sunflower seeds;
• cocoa;
• beets;
• apple cider vinegar;
• tomatoes or tomato juice;
• hercules;
• oatmeal;
• cranberries;
• oatmeal;
• lemon;
• cherries;
• viburnum.

Blood thinning must be handled with care so as not to provoke bleeding. It is not recommended to consume fatty and meat products if deep vein thrombosis is present. Photos, results of improper treatment are available on the Internet.

One tablespoon of a mixture prepared from crushed garlic, two tablespoons of unrefined vegetable oil and one tablespoon of honey can be eaten daily.

Prevention of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities

Prevention of the disease is primarily aimed at eliminating the causes that cause the development of vascular diseases. Thus, you need to get rid of bad habits, reduce body weight, treat diabetes, lower blood cholesterol levels and move more. So it will be possible to defeat deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities (diet, photo, results should be an incentive!).

Deep vein thrombosis – feedback from our patients.

Review of our patient about the treatment of deep vein thrombosis in the center “MIFTS”

Anita, 38 years old, Moscow.

I want to thank the staff of the clinic for their professionalism. With their help, I started to trust traditional medicine again. Before I went to the clinic, I had repeatedly undergone various medical procedures for deep vein thrombosis in my legs. At first, I had varicose veins with a complication, in which I had an operation to “suture the veins”. As a result, I practically became disabled. On the advice of my friends, I turned to the doctors of the MIFTs clinic, who returned me to a full life. It’s good that everything went without surgery. Anita, 38 years old, Moscow.

Patient’s feedback on the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis in our center

Andrey, 40 years old, Krasnogorsk.

Due to frequent stressful situations and bad habits, I developed problems with my legs, or rather, circulatory disorders. The legs often swelled, turned blue and sometimes hurt when walking. On the Internet, I accidentally saw an article about vein thrombosis, while the symptoms described coincided with my feelings. I was just recently advised by the phlebology clinic, and I decided to go for a consultation. Doctor Malakhov A.M. diagnosed with acute deep vein thrombosis. At first I was reassured and told that in this case, one cannot do without surgical intervention. Since there was no other way out, I agreed, and did not regret it. The operation in the vascular department of the city hospital, where I was urgently hospitalized, to remove the blood clot was successful and without complications. Now nothing threatens my life, thanks to the doctors of the “MIFTS” clinic for their professionalism and “human” attitude towards patients! Andrey, 40 years old, Moscow.

Frequently asked questions of our patients on the Internet about deep vein thrombosis

How to understand that there are blood clots in the veins?

Only a specialist, phlebologist or vascular surgeon can reliably understand that there are blood clots in the veins. And even a specialized specialist will need instrumental support, ultrasound examination of blood vessels. You can assume that you have blood clots in your veins by the following signs:

• Edema.
• Cyanosis of the skin.
• Soreness, swelling of tissues, redness of the skin along the veins.

If there are blood clots in the veins, how to recognize them, symptoms and treatment?

Blood clots in veins can be identified by ultrasound duplex scanning. The following symptoms indicate the presence of blood clots in the veins: swelling, pain, discoloration of the limb. The best option for diagnosis, as well as subsequent treatment, is to contact a good phlebological center.

How to recognize a blood clot on the leg?

In order to recognize a blood clot on the leg, it is necessary to seek professional medical help. As an option, do an ultrasound examination of the vessels of the lower limb. The best solution would be to consult a narrow specialist, a phlebologist.

How to identify blood clots in the legs?

From the point of view of modern diagnostics, the best way to determine blood clots in the legs is an ultrasound examination of the vessels of the lower extremities.

Thrombus in a vein, how does it form?

A thrombus in a vein is formed as a result of a complex chain of biochemical reactions, during which a network of insoluble fibrin molecules is formed from fibrinogen molecules.