What are the warning signs of DVT. How is deep vein thrombosis diagnosed. Who is at higher risk of developing blood clots. What treatments are available for DVT. How can you prevent deep vein thrombosis during travel and hospitalization.

Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Potentially Life-Threatening Condition

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition characterized by the formation of blood clots in deep veins, typically in the legs. These clots can pose significant health risks, particularly if they break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Recognizing the symptoms and risk factors associated with DVT is crucial for early detection and prompt treatment.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of DVT

Identifying the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis is essential for seeking timely medical attention. The most common signs of DVT in the leg include:

• Throbbing pain in one leg, usually in the calf or thigh, especially when walking or standing
• Swelling in one leg (rarely both legs)
• Warm skin around the painful area
• Red or darkened skin near the affected region
• Swollen veins that are hard or sore to the touch

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also occur in the arm or abdomen if a blood clot forms in those areas. If you experience any of these warning signs, it’s crucial to seek medical help promptly.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

In some cases, DVT can lead to a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism. Seek emergency medical care if you experience symptoms of DVT along with:

• Breathlessness
• Chest pain

These symptoms may indicate that a blood clot has traveled to the lungs, requiring immediate treatment.

Risk Factors for Developing Deep Vein Thrombosis

Certain factors can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing DVT. Understanding these risk factors can help in taking preventive measures and identifying those who may need closer monitoring.

Who is More Susceptible to DVT?

The following groups of people have a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis:

• Individuals over 60 years old
• Those who are overweight or obese
• Smokers
• People with a history of DVT
• Women taking contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy
• Individuals with cancer or heart failure
• Those with varicose veins

Situations That Increase DVT Risk

Certain circumstances can temporarily elevate the risk of developing blood clots:

• Recent hospitalization, especially with limited mobility
• Extended bed rest
• Long-distance travel (over 3 hours) by plane, car, or train
• Pregnancy and the first 6 weeks postpartum
• Dehydration

It’s important to be aware that DVT can sometimes occur without any apparent cause.

Diagnosing Deep Vein Thrombosis: Medical Procedures and Tests

If a healthcare provider suspects DVT, they will typically refer the patient for diagnostic tests within 24 hours. The primary methods used to diagnose deep vein thrombosis include:

Ultrasound Scanning

An ultrasound scan is the most common diagnostic tool for DVT. This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to create images of blood flow in the veins, allowing doctors to detect any abnormalities or blockages.

Venography

In some cases, a venogram may be performed. This procedure involves injecting a special dye into the vein and taking X-ray images to visualize the blood clot’s location and extent.

Treatment Options for Deep Vein Thrombosis

Once DVT is diagnosed, prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications and promote recovery. The main treatment approaches for deep vein thrombosis include:

Anticoagulation Therapy

Blood-thinning medications, also known as anticoagulants, are the primary treatment for DVT. Common anticoagulants include:

• Heparin (often given as an initial injection while awaiting diagnosis)
• Warfarin
• Rivaroxaban

Patients typically need to take these medications for at least three months to prevent further clot formation and allow existing clots to dissolve.

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to remove blood clots or prevent their formation. These interventions are usually reserved for severe cases or when anticoagulation therapy is contraindicated.

Special Considerations for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women diagnosed with DVT require specialized treatment. They typically receive anticoagulant injections throughout the pregnancy and for six weeks after giving birth to manage the condition and reduce risks to both mother and baby.

Recovery and Management of Deep Vein Thrombosis

After initial treatment, patients with DVT are encouraged to take certain steps to aid recovery and prevent complications:

• Engage in regular walking to promote blood circulation
• Elevate the affected leg when sitting to reduce swelling
• Avoid long-distance travel for at least two weeks after starting anticoagulation therapy

These measures, combined with adherence to prescribed medications, can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis: Lifestyle Changes and Precautions

While not all cases of DVT can be prevented, there are several strategies individuals can employ to reduce their risk:

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

• Maintain a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise
• Stay physically active, incorporating regular walks into your routine
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Precautions During Long Journeys

For trips lasting 3 hours or more, consider the following measures:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Stay hydrated throughout the journey
• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Take opportunities to walk and stretch when possible
• Perform simple exercises in your seat to promote blood flow

Hospital Stay Precautions

If you’re admitted to the hospital, your healthcare team should assess your DVT risk. Depending on the assessment, you may receive preventive treatments such as:

• Anticoagulant medications
• Compression stockings
• Intermittent pneumatic compression devices

These measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing DVT during hospitalization, especially for patients with limited mobility.

The Importance of Awareness and Prompt Action in Managing DVT

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition that requires immediate attention and proper management. By understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and preventive measures associated with DVT, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their health. Early recognition and prompt medical intervention are crucial in preventing potentially life-threatening complications such as pulmonary embolism.

Healthcare providers play a vital role in assessing DVT risk, particularly in hospital settings and for individuals with multiple risk factors. By implementing appropriate preventive strategies and providing timely treatment, the incidence and impact of deep vein thrombosis can be significantly reduced.

Remember, if you suspect you may have DVT or are experiencing symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, or changes in skin color, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Timely diagnosis and treatment can make a substantial difference in outcomes and overall health.

As research in this field continues to advance, new prevention strategies and treatment options may emerge, further improving our ability to manage and mitigate the risks associated with deep vein thrombosis. Stay informed about the latest developments and recommendations from healthcare professionals to ensure you’re taking the best possible care of your vascular health.

DVT (deep vein thrombosis) – NHS

DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clot in a vein, usually in the leg. DVT can be dangerous. Get medical help as soon as possible if you think you have DVT.

Symptoms of DVT (deep vein thrombosis)

Symptoms of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) in the leg are:

• throbbing pain in 1 leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh, when walking or standing up
• swelling in 1 leg (rarely both legs)
• warm skin around the painful area
• red or darkened skin around the painful area – this may be harder to see on brown or black skin
• swollen veins that are hard or sore when you touch them

These symptoms can also happen in your arm or tummy if that’s where the blood clot is.

Credit:

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/440619/view

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

You have symptoms of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), such as pain and swelling, and:

• breathlessness
• chest pain

DVT can be very serious because blood clots can travel to your lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism.

A pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening and needs treatment straight away.

Who is more likely to get DVT (deep vein thrombosis)

A DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is more likely to happen if you:

• are over 60
• are overweight
• smoke
• have had DVT before
• take the contraceptive pill or HRT
• have cancer or heart failure
• have varicose veins

There are also some times when you have a higher chance of getting DVT.

These include if you:

• are staying in or recently left hospital – especially if you cannot move around much (like after an operation)
• are confined to bed
• go on a long journey (more than 3 hours) by plane, car or train
• are pregnant or if you’ve had a baby in the previous 6 weeks
• are dehydrated

Sometimes DVT can happen for no obvious reason.

How DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is diagnosed

If a doctor thinks you have DVT (deep vein thrombosis), you should be referred to hospital within 24 hours for an ultrasound scan. The scan shows whether blood is flowing normally through the vein.

You may also have an X-ray of the vein (venogram). For this, you’ll be injected with a dye to show where the blood clot is.

Treatment of DVT (deep vein thrombosis)

You may have an injection of a blood-thinning medicine called heparin while you’re waiting for an ultrasound scan to see if you have a DVT (deep vein thrombosis).

The main treatments include:

• blood-thinning medicines, such as warfarin or rivaroxaban – you’ll probably need to take these for at least 3 months
• surgery to remove blood clots or stop them forming

If you get a DVT when you’re pregnant, you’ll have injections for the rest of the pregnancy and until your baby is 6 weeks old.

Recovery from DVT (deep vein thrombosis)

There are things you can do to help you recover from DVT (deep vein thrombosis).

After you leave hospital, you’ll be encouraged to:

• walk regularly
• keep your affected leg raised when you’re sitting
• delay any flights or long journeys until at least 2 weeks after you start taking blood-thinning medicine

How to prevent DVT (deep vein thrombosis)

There are things you can do to lower your chance of getting DVT (deep vein thrombosis).

Do

• stay a healthy weight

• stay active – taking regular walks can help

• drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration – DVT is more likely if you’re dehydrated

Don’t

• do not sit still for long periods of time – get up and move around every hour or so

• do not cross your legs while you’re sitting

• do not smoke

• do not drink lots of alcohol

Going on a long journey

If you’re travelling for 3 hours or more by plane, train or car, there are things you can do during the journey to lower your chances of getting DVT.

These include:

• wearing loose clothing
• drinking plenty of water
• avoiding alcohol
• walking around when possible

Going into hospital

If you go into hospital, your healthcare team should check if there’s a higher chance you’ll get DVT.

If they think you’re more likely to get DVT, you may be given treatment to prevent it, such as medicine or compression stockings (knee-high elastic socks that help your blood circulation), while you’re in hospital.

You may continue treatment after you leave hospital because a blood clot can happen weeks later.

You can also help protect yourself against DVT while you’re in hospital by:

• staying active and walking around if you can
• moving your toes (up and down) and ankles (in circles) if you have to stay in bed – your healthcare team may give you some exercises to do

Page last reviewed: 22 March 2023
Next review due: 22 March 2026

Symptoms in Legs, Lungs, and More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Arms, Legs
• Heart
• Lungs
• Brain
• Belly
• Kidneys
• More

Ever get a paper cut or nick yourself while shaving? When that happens, a blood clot saves the day. It quickly stops the bleeding, and when it’s done its job, it usually breaks up. Sometimes, though, things can go wrong.

When blood clots don’t fall apart, they can be dangerous and lead to serious medical conditions. You can get them in blood vessels in just about any part of your body. They’re most likely to affect a leg, especially if you sit for long periods of time.

You might get a clot in your arteries, which carry oxygen in your blood from your heart to all the cells of your body. The result can be really serious. It can keep oxygen from getting to your heart, lungs, or brain, and cause a life-threatening emergency, like a heart attack or stroke.

You could also get a clot in the veins that carry blood back to your heart. When that happens, symptoms usually come on more gradually, but can still mean trouble.

If you learn the warning signs, you’re more likely to get quick medical help that can make a huge difference in keeping you out of the danger zone. But it’s important to know that in some cases, clots can happen with few symptoms or none at all. .

See More: Dos and Don’ts of a Blood Clot

When a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins in your arm or leg, way beneath your skin’s surface, it could be something called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). That’s dangerous because the clot could travel to your heart or lungs.

You’re more likely to get a DVT if you haven’t moved around for a long time, say after surgery or during a long plane trip. Get medical help right away if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Swelling. This can happen in the exact spot where the blood clot forms, or your entire leg or arm could puff up.
• Change in color. You might notice that your arm or leg takes on a red or blue tinge, or gets itchy.
• Pain. As the clot gets worse, you may hurt or get sore. The feeling can range from a dull ache to intense pain. You may notice the pain throbs in your leg, belly, or even your arm.
• Warm skin. The skin around painful areas or in the arm or leg with the DVT may feel warmer than other skin.
• Trouble breathing. If this happens, it could mean that the clot has moved from your arm or leg to your lungs. You may also get a bad cough, and might even cough up blood. You may get pain in your chest or feel dizzy. Call 911 to get medical help right away.
• Lower leg cramp. If the clot is in your calf or lower leg, you may feel like you have a cramp or charley horse.
• Pitting edema. DVT can cause fluid buildup (edema) in the arms or legs. It typically happens quite quickly with DVT. When you press on the swollen area, it can cause a dimple or “pit” (pitting) that remains for a few seconds.
• Swollen, painful veins. The pain may increase with touch.

A blood clot that forms in or around your ticker may cause a heart attack. Watch out for symptoms like these:

• Severe pain in your chest and arm
• Sweating
• Trouble breathing

A blood clot in your lung usually starts out in a deep vein in your arm or leg, then breaks off and travels to your lung. When this happens, you get what’s called a pulmonary embolism, an extremely dangerous condition.

Get medical help right away if you:

• Feel short of breath or have problems breathing
• Get pain in your chest
• Start to cough
• Begin to sweat
• Feel dizzy

Blood clots here may be caused by fatty deposits in the walls of the blood vessels that bring blood to your brain. Or sometimes, they may form because of a blow to your head that leads to a concussion.

In other cases, a clot that starts out in a different part of your body, like your chest or neck, might enter your bloodstream and travel to your brain, where it can cause a stroke.

Watch out for these symptoms:

• Problems with your vision or speech
• A seizure
• General feeling of weakness

Blood clots can happen in the veins that drain blood from your intestines. They can be caused by conditions like diverticulitis or liver disease, or even by birth control pills.

How will you know if this is going on? Check with your doctor if you have problems like these:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe pain in your belly, which may be worse after you eat
• Diarrhea
• Bloody stools
• A bloated feeling

A blood clot in your kidneys can keep them from removing waste from your body. That can cause high blood pressure or even kidney failure.

This is dangerous, so look out for these symptoms:

• Pain in the side of your belly, legs, or thighs
• Blood in your urine
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• High blood pressure
• Sudden severe leg swelling
• Trouble breathing

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What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and what are its symptoms

What is DVT?

Deep vein thrombosis is an abnormal blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg or pelvis, and is thought to affect about 1 in every 1000 people in the UK.

Large DVT can travel from the veins of the legs or pelvis and travel through the venous system to the heart and then to the lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE), which is a very serious medical condition and can even be fatal.

While most DVTs are small, harmless, and go away on their own, it is true that many DVTs are never diagnosed and are often misrepresented by patients, doctors, and nurses as “sprained muscles” or other leg pain. Without duplex vein ultrasound by a vascular specialist (who can scan even the smallest veins in the calves), it is impossible to accurately determine the presence or absence of DVT.

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How to avoid DVT

Most people have heard of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but are surprised to learn about the causes of this condition. Many people associate DVT with long-haul flights, and while this is one of the main reasons, there are many others that should be acknowledged.

If you are in the hospital for surgery, the risk of a blood clot increases. This is because DVT is more likely to occur when you are unwell or less active than usual. Pregnancy can also cause DVT. During pregnancy, blood clots more easily. This is the body’s way of preventing too much blood from being lost during childbirth. Genetics also play a role, and if someone in your family has had DVT before, then you are also more likely to have this condition.

Warning signs of deep vein thrombosis

Possible symptoms of deep vein thrombosis may include:

• Leg pain or tenderness for no apparent reason – may be above the knee, below the knee, or in both legs.
• Swelling of the ankle, ankle and calf, ankle, calf and thigh, or even of the entire leg.
• Severe pain in the leg – especially when standing or walking
• Warm skin in the area of ​​swelling
• Sometimes the skin may be slightly redder, but this is less common.
• DVT usually affects one leg but can rarely affect both.

Approximately half of patients have no symptoms or “warning signs” and are diagnosed with DVT only when complications occur.

See a specialist

If people are in doubt as to whether they are suffering from DVT or any other venous disease, they should see a venous specialist as soon as possible for duplex ultrasound and treatment advice.

Many emergency departments do a blood test and, if positive, give heparin while duplex scanning is being arranged.

If DVT is diagnosed and treated immediately, in most cases the clot resolves and the vein returns to normal. If diagnosis and treatment are delayed, or if repeated DVTs occur in the same leg, deep veins can become frightened and stop working properly. This causes “post-thrombotic syndrome” (PTS), which can cause chronic leg pain and swelling, discoloration of the skin, and often leg ulcers.

It is also important to know why the blood clot formed. This may be due to varicose veins, tightness of the veins, changes in the blood (dehydration, smoking, and certain drugs) or blood flow, or even a sign of another medical condition, including abnormal blood clotting. Long flights and immobility are also factors contributing to the development of the disease.

After diagnosing and treating DVT, it is important to find the underlying cause and treat it to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT in the future.

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Six early signs of deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a disease that can cause life-threatening complications. Timely access to a doctor is the key to effective treatment of the disease, the ability to avoid complications and return to a normal lifestyle as soon as possible.

Recall that DVT is characterized by the formation of blood clots – blood clots, usually in the deep veins of the lower extremities. It was previously believed that the prevalence of DVT is up to 160 cases per 100,000 population. However, during the Covid-19 pandemicthe prevalence of DVT has increased – violations of hemostasis caused by the virus contribute to the formation of blood clots. According to statistics, the frequency of DVT among patients and recovered from coronavirus infection reaches 20%.

What symptoms can signal early DVT?

1. Swelling of the legs

Swelling may appear exactly in the place where the blood clot formed. Sometimes the limb swells completely, but most often the swelling appears below the knee.

Edema appears only on one leg – the one on which a blood clot formed.

Edema may occur even after treatment for DVT. Post-thrombotic syndrome develops weeks or months after DVT and causes chronic swelling of the leg. This is due to damaged venous valves as a result of DVT. Because of this, stagnation of blood occurs in the limbs, causing pain and swelling.

2. Redness of the skin

Redness of the skin on the leg is caused by clogged blood vessels due to DVT. Such redness is the result of inflammation of a vein in which there is one or more blood clots. A long, thin area of ​​redness along the affected vein may be one of the signs of developing DVT.

3. Pain

Pain in the affected limb is due to impaired blood flow caused by blood clots formed in the veins. Discomfort and pain in the area of ​​the affected veins can be experienced from the moment blood clots form. The pain can range from dull to intense throbbing pain. A warning sign of DVT is pain in only one leg, with the pain often getting worse when walking or standing for a long period of time. Many people mistake this feeling for a muscle strain, but unlike the pain caused by a muscle injury, the pain caused by DVT does not go away with time.

4. Feeling of warmth

Feeling of warmth in the affected limb is one of the first symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. In some cases, only that area of ​​the skin that is directly above the affected vein is noticeably warmer.

5. Leg cramps

In general, leg cramps are a common phenomenon experienced by most, if not all people. Regular muscle spasms disappear quite quickly after massage or muscle stretching, walking, etc. However, leg cramps that don’t go away or get worse over time can be symptoms of DVT. Seizures caused by DVT may require medical attention. One way to determine if a DVT cramp is caused by a DVT cramp is to bend your ankle so that your toes are pointing up. In a normal cramp, this should relieve the pain. In the case of a spasm caused by a blood clot, the pain is likely to increase.