What are the signs of deep vein thrombosis. How is DVT diagnosed. What treatments are available for blood clots in the legs. Who is at risk for developing deep vein thrombosis. Can DVT be prevented.

Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Comprehensive Overview

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins in the body, most commonly in the legs. This condition can lead to severe complications if left untreated, making early detection and proper management crucial. In this article, we’ll explore the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatment options for DVT, providing you with valuable insights to help safeguard your health.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Identifying the signs of DVT is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment. While some cases may be asymptomatic, many individuals experience distinct symptoms that should not be ignored. Here are the most common indicators of DVT:

• Swelling in the affected leg or arm
• Pain or tenderness in the affected area
• Warmth in the skin around the clot
• Redness or discoloration of the skin
• Visible surface veins
• Fatigue or unexplained tiredness

Do these symptoms always indicate DVT? Not necessarily. However, if you experience any of these signs, especially if they appear suddenly or worsen over time, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis can prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for DVT

Understanding the underlying causes and risk factors for DVT can help individuals take preventive measures and recognize when they might be at increased risk. Several factors can contribute to the formation of blood clots in deep veins:

Medical Conditions

• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Inherited blood clotting disorders

Lifestyle Factors

• Prolonged immobility (e.g., long flights, bed rest)
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Dehydration

Medical Procedures and Treatments

• Recent surgery, especially orthopedic procedures
• Hormone therapy
• Birth control pills
• Pregnancy and postpartum period

Are certain individuals more susceptible to DVT? Yes, some people have a higher risk of developing blood clots. These include older adults, individuals with a family history of blood clotting disorders, and those who have previously experienced DVT or pulmonary embolism.

Diagnosing Deep Vein Thrombosis: Tests and Procedures

Accurate diagnosis of DVT is crucial for appropriate treatment. Healthcare providers employ various methods to confirm the presence of blood clots in deep veins:

1. Physical examination and medical history review
2. Duplex ultrasound
3. D-dimer blood test
4. Venography
5. CT or MRI scans

How does a doctor determine which diagnostic test to use? The choice often depends on the patient’s symptoms, risk factors, and overall health condition. In many cases, a combination of tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the clot.

Treatment Options for Deep Vein Thrombosis

Once DVT is diagnosed, prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications and alleviate symptoms. The primary goals of DVT treatment are to stop the clot from growing, prevent it from breaking loose, and reduce the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome. Common treatment options include:

Anticoagulant Medications

Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, are the most common treatment for DVT. These medications prevent existing clots from growing larger and new clots from forming. Examples include:

• Heparin
• Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
• Warfarin
• Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)

Thrombolytic Therapy

In severe cases or when anticoagulants are ineffective, thrombolytic drugs may be used to dissolve the clot quickly. This treatment is typically reserved for life-threatening situations due to its higher risk of bleeding complications.

Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter

For patients who cannot take anticoagulants, an IVC filter may be placed in the large vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart. This device catches blood clots before they can reach the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.

Compression Stockings

Wearing compression stockings can help reduce swelling and prevent blood from pooling in the legs, which may decrease the risk of clot formation.

How long does DVT treatment typically last? The duration of treatment varies depending on the individual case, but many patients require anticoagulant therapy for at least three to six months. Some may need long-term or lifelong treatment to prevent recurrence.

Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis: Proactive Measures

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

• Stay active and exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid prolonged periods of immobility
• Stay hydrated, especially during long trips
• Quit smoking
• Manage underlying health conditions
• Wear compression stockings if recommended by a healthcare provider

Can lifestyle changes significantly reduce DVT risk? Absolutely. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can play a crucial role in preventing blood clots and improving overall cardiovascular health.

Complications of Deep Vein Thrombosis: Understanding the Risks

While DVT itself is a serious condition, it can lead to potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated. Being aware of these risks underscores the importance of early detection and proper management:

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

The most severe complication of DVT is pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs. PE can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms include:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain that worsens with deep breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Coughing up blood
• Lightheadedness or fainting

Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS)

This long-term complication can develop in some individuals who have experienced DVT. PTS occurs when the affected vein is damaged, leading to chronic symptoms such as:

• Persistent swelling in the affected limb
• Pain or discomfort
• Skin discoloration
• Ulcers on the skin

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

DVT can damage the valves in the veins, leading to chronic venous insufficiency. This condition impairs blood flow back to the heart, causing symptoms like:

• Leg swelling
• Varicose veins
• Skin changes
• Leg ulcers

How can these complications be prevented? The best way to avoid DVT-related complications is through early diagnosis, proper treatment, and adherence to prescribed therapies. Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are also crucial in managing long-term risks.

Living with Deep Vein Thrombosis: Long-Term Management and Care

For many individuals, managing DVT is an ongoing process that extends beyond the initial treatment phase. Long-term care and lifestyle adjustments are often necessary to prevent recurrence and maintain overall vascular health:

Ongoing Medical Care

• Regular check-ups with healthcare providers
• Monitoring of anticoagulant therapy, if prescribed
• Periodic ultrasound scans to assess vein health

Lifestyle Modifications

• Maintaining an active lifestyle with regular exercise
• Adopting a heart-healthy diet
• Managing weight and avoiding obesity
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption

Self-Care Practices

• Wearing compression stockings as recommended
• Elevating legs when resting
• Avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing
• Staying hydrated, especially during travel

Can individuals with a history of DVT lead normal lives? With proper management and care, many people with a history of DVT can maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. However, it’s crucial to follow medical advice and remain vigilant about potential symptoms or recurrence.

Advances in Deep Vein Thrombosis Research and Treatment

The field of vascular medicine is continuously evolving, with ongoing research aimed at improving DVT prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Some notable advancements and areas of study include:

Novel Anticoagulants

Researchers are developing new anticoagulant medications that offer improved efficacy and safety profiles compared to traditional options. These drugs may provide more convenient dosing regimens and require less frequent monitoring.

Improved Diagnostic Techniques

Advancements in imaging technology and biomarker research are enhancing the accuracy and speed of DVT diagnosis. This may lead to earlier detection and more personalized treatment approaches.

Minimally Invasive Treatments

Innovative catheter-based techniques for removing or dissolving blood clots are being refined, potentially offering less invasive alternatives to traditional surgical interventions.

Genetic Risk Assessment

Ongoing studies in genetic factors contributing to DVT may lead to more precise risk assessment tools and tailored prevention strategies for individuals with inherited thrombophilia.

How might these advancements impact DVT management in the future? As research progresses, we can anticipate more effective, personalized, and less burdensome treatment options for individuals at risk of or affected by DVT. This could lead to improved outcomes and quality of life for patients dealing with this condition.

In conclusion, deep vein thrombosis is a serious medical condition that requires prompt attention and comprehensive management. By understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and available treatments, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their vascular health and seek timely medical care when needed. As research continues to advance, we can look forward to even more effective strategies for preventing, diagnosing, and treating DVT in the future.

Blood Clot Symptoms | Texas Endovascular

Recently on the blog, we spent some time explaining the science of blood clots: what they are, why they form, and what they can do to your health. Today, we will provide some more helpful information: this is how you can tell if you’re developing a blood clot!

The scary answer to this question is you can’t always tell when you’re developing a blood clot. Sometimes, blood clots form without any obvious symptoms. But sometimes, a blood clot forms and impacts your body in a number of ways. Many of those symptoms will depend on the location of your blood clot.

As it turns out, women have a higher clotting risk.

If you have DVT (deep vein thrombosis, a clot in the deep veins of your legs), you may develop blood clot symptoms, including:

• Redness or other changes of color at the site of your clot
• Warm skin
• Swelling
• Cramps and pain without any obvious injury

Sometimes, the redness could look streaky and move down your leg.

If the clot forms in your lower leg, cramping could be a warning sign. With a DVT, that swelling (called edema) could look a little different than other forms of fluid buildup. Because if a clot is to blame, you’ll notice pits or depressions in the swollen area that stick around for a few seconds after you press on the skin.
[RB1]Link instead to https://texaseva.com/vein-disease/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt/

What is a Clot Break?

A clot break is a serious medical complication. This can happen when a DVT breaks loose from your legs and travels to your lungs (known as a Pulmonary embolism).  A clot break could also travel from your heart to your brain, causing a potentially fatal complication.

With a clot break, you may experience shortness of breath (for no apparent reason), an unexplained cough, chest pain, an increased heart rate, and fatigue. Your breath may also come quickly, and you may notice pain in your rib cage, especially when you breathe deeply.

If the clot travels to your brain, the symptoms include loss of strength in your arms and legs, slurred speech, and sudden death.

If you’re at increased risk (you’ve just taken a long plane trip, you’re pregnant, or have compromised cardiovascular health) see your doctor for any of these symptoms. A blood clot can quickly become a medical emergency.

Do I Need Treatment?

In theory, your blood clot will resolve itself. That means your body will naturally break it down and absorb the clot—eventually. But that process could take weeks or even months. And depending on the location of your clot, waiting that long could pose a major threat to your health.

Why? If you have a clot in your artery, your cells won’t get the oxygen-rich blood they need to work, so they’ll stop functioning. If the clot cuts off oxygen to your brain cells, you’ll develop stroke symptoms. If the clot is in your coronary artery (impacting your heart), you’ll start developing heart attack symptoms.

So clearly, arterial clots are medical emergencies. But clots in your veins, like DVTS, are also serious. And that’s because they cause their own set of symptoms, but also because of their potential to break free and travel to your lungs.

In other words, while you could wait for your body to heal that clot, doing so could be a fatal mistake. Instead, let’s explore the best way to treat your blood clot medically.

How Will You Treat My Clot?

Even if it means a trip to the emergency room, see a doctor at the first sign of a clot. If you do have a clot, you’ll need one of two treatments: medication or interventions involving medical devices.

Oral or intravenous (IV) blood thinners can help manage a blood clot. Alternatively, your doctor may insert a wire or catheter to try and open up your blood vessels. Finally, in certain situations, your healthcare provider may surgically remove the blood clot (thrombectomy.)

The good news is that blood clot treatments are fairly effective, especially if administered quickly.  But to benefit from these treatments, you must be seen before the clot grows or causes additional damage like a heart attack or stroke.

For that reason, we can’t emphasize this enough: seek immediate medical attention from your Houston vein specialists at the first sign of a suspected blood clot!

Sources: Us News & World Report, KRPC 2 News Houston

Deep Vein Thrombosis | Center for Vein Care

• Know the Facts
• Symptoms
• Causes
• Risk Factors
• Evaluation
• Complications
• Treatment Options
• Prevention
• Contact

WATCH: Center for Vein Care Director, talks on Verizon FiOS1 about the risks, prevention and treatment of DVT.

Know the Facts: Blood returns to the heart through veins. When the blood clumps together and turns into solid material, it is called a blood clot. When the clot is in the deep vein it is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) usually occurs in the leg veins.

If the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE) – a clot that blocks blood flow to the lungs, which can be deadly.

The U.S. Surgeon General has identified (DVT/PE) as a major public health problem. An estimated 350,000 people are affected each year — and the actual number may be higher, because this disease often goes undiagnosed. The death toll from DVT/PE is significant: According to estimates by the Surgeon General, at least 100,000 — and perhaps as many as 180,000 — individuals die directly or indirectly as a result of DVT/PE each year. To put these numbers in perspective, about 160,000 Americans will die of lung cancer this year; 34,000 in motor vehicle accidents, and 40,000 of breast cancer.                                                                                      

 LISTEN: Dr. Gasparis LIVE on LI in the AM w/ Jay Oliver discussing about DVT.

Symptoms

DVT causes symptoms in only about half the people who develop this condition. Symptoms may include:

• Swelling of the leg
• Pain or tenderness in the leg
• Increased warmth in the swollen or painful area
• Red or discolored skin in the swollen or painful area of the leg

Some people may not know they have a DVT until it breaks off and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. PE is an emergency situation requiring immediate medical help.

PE symptoms include:

• Sharp chest pain when taking a deep breath
• Shortness of breath
• Bloody cough
• A rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Feeling of anxiety
• Feeling faint or passing out

Causes

Blood normally flows continuously in arteries and veins. In certain situations the cells in blood may clump together to form a plug (blood clot) and fail to flow properly. This is triggered whenever flowing blood is exposed to certain substances after the vein’s inner lining is damaged as a result of surgery, serious injuries, inflammation or immune responses.

Inactivity is a major cause of DVTs. Extended periods of lying down can lead to sluggish, improper flow of blood in your legs. Some of the leading causes of DVT are surgery, injuries or illnesses requiring prolonged period of bedrest.

Other possible causes include cancer, hormone therapy and inherited conditions that make blood cells clump together and form clot more easily. Birth control pills can also increase the risk of clotting.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for DVT are:

• A previous episode of DVT
• Immobility, such bed rest during hospitalization
• Pregnancy and the first few weeks after giving birth
• A catheter (large IV tube) in the deep veins used for medical treatment
• Age – DVT can occur at any age, but risk increases with age
• Overweight or obesity
• Cancer and cancer treatment
• Smoking
• Hormone therapy or birth control pills
• Injury to blood vessels, broken bones or other trauma
• Some inherited blood disorders

Evaluation

To determine if DVT is present, your doctor will obtain your medical history and perform an examination. Your diagnostic tests may include:

• Duplex ultrasound: Noninvasive test uses high-frequency sound waves to measure blood flows through your veins and evaluate the presence of clot.
• D-dimer test: Measures a substance in the blood that when elevated may indicate underlying blood clot.
• CT venogram: Imaging test that uses IV contrast and specialized CT scan to create detailed pictures of the veins in your abdomen and legs.
• Venography: Dye is injected into a vein in the affected leg. The dye makes the vein visible on an x-ray image. The x-ray shows whether blood flow is slow in the vein, which may suggest a blood clot.

Complications

Pulmonary embolism (PE): Most of the time with a DVT the clot is in the veins of the lower or upper extremities and attached to the vein wall. When the clot dislodges from the vein it will travel to another part of the body, this is called an embolus. With PE, the clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. As a result, the lungs can be damaged by lack of blood flow, and other organs can be damaged by a lack of oxygen supplied by the lungs. PE is a dangerous, potentially fatal occurrence requiring immediate medical attention.

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS): Is a condition that may develop one to two years following an episode of DVT. Following a DVT the veins involved may be damaged and there be underlying blockage or reversal of blood flow. Both of these situations can lead to increased venous blood pressure in the legs. The symptoms associated with this condition, known as PTS, may include chronic leg pain and chronic swelling. Advanced stages of the condition include skin damage with discoloration and/or ulceration (wound) in the affected leg.

Treatment Options

DVTs often can be managed with:

• Blood thinners: The standard of treatment for DVT is blood-thinning drugs such as heparin, warfarin (Coumadin®), or one of the newer oral anticoagulants (Xarelto). A typical course of treatment takes place over three to six months, with periodic blood tests and ultrasounds to evaluate how well the blood thinners are working. In some situations your doctor may recommend lifelong treatment.
• Special compression stockings: Compression stockings may help prevent further clotting, reduce pain and swelling and developing post-thrombotic syndrome.

Other treatments include:
Deep vein thrombosis has traditionally been treated with blood thinning medications alone. These medication help prevent early complications such as clot extension and PE. They do not do a good job of preventing PTS. In some situations patients are offered additional treatment to blood thinners. The reason to do this is to prevent damage to the deep veins and prevent developing PTS.

• Thrombolytic therapy: Drugs (clot-busting agents) such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) — the same drug used to treat heart attacks — may be used to dissolve and remove clots blocking blood flow through a vein. A small catheter (tube) is placed in the area of the clot which slowly drips tPA directly in the clot to dissolve over several hours.
• Pharmaco-mechanical thrombolysis: Uses specialized devices to deliver “clot-busting agents” and mechanically break down the clot. This may be used in situations with extensive clot in the leg and allows less usage of tPA and quicker removal of clot.
• Inferior Vena Cava Filter
• Clot Removal

Prevention

Recognizing individual risk and providing appropriate prophylaxis is important. There are steps that can be taken to prevent DVT and pulmonary embolism during hospitalization or travel.

When hospitalized:

• Know what your risk is for developing a DVT. Take a risk assessment.
• Talk to your doctor about your risk of DVT and what can be done to help protect you.
• Get out of bed as soon as possible as your doctor recommends. Walking reduces the chance of developing a blood clot.
• Take medicines (low-dose blood thinners) that your doctor prescribes to prevent blood clots.
• Use compression boots while in bed as your doctor directs. These boots squeeze your legs to promote blood flow in the veins and help prevent DVT.

When traveling:

• Know your risk of DVT. Take a risk assessment.
• Walk up and down the aisles of the plane, bus or train. If traveling by car, stop about every hour and walk around.
• Flex, stretch and move your legs and your feet to improve blood flow in your calves.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol.
• If you have risk factors for DVT, your doctor may advise you to wear compression stockings while traveling.
• If you have had DVT or pulmonary embolism previously, you may be prescribed a blood-thinning medicine before traveling.

Contact

For more information or to make an appointment, please call (631) 444-4DVT.

3 main symptoms of deep vein thrombosis: leg phlebothrombosis

Which symptoms of deep vein thrombosis can be seen immediately. Let’s analyze the most important symptoms of phlebothrombosis. What can, should and should not be done with thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities?

If you ask phlebologists what are the most common symptoms of deep vein thrombosis of the legs, the answers will be very different. They can be systematized and concluded about the three main signs of this disease. We will tell about them further. By the way, this condition is often called phlebothrombosis.

Pain in the calf muscles and thigh, which are characteristic of phlebothrombosis

Often there are situations when there are no symptoms at all in deep vein thrombosis. It happens that a person learns about a blood clot by accident, for example, during ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities during preparation for surgery.

If pain occurs, then patients describe it in different ways – drilling, biting, aching. Phlebothrombosis causes pain that has the following characteristics:

1. Appears out of the blue or after some situation (going to a bathhouse, drinking alcohol the day before, sitting for a long time in an airplane or theater).
2. Appears abruptly – nothing hurt in the evening, but in the morning the leg hurts.
3. Is strong, interfering with normal movement – it is impossible to bend the leg or step on it without pain.

In most cases, the pain occurs in one leg and does not disappear with a change in body position or walking. It is localized in the calf or thigh, depending on where the blood clot formed and what its size is.

Tingling, tingling, goosebumps and slight soreness are not signs of phlebothrombosis of the lower extremities. There is no need to worry about the occurrence of thrombosis in such situations.

Cyanosis (blue) of the skin as a symptom of deep vein thrombosis

In case of violation of the outflow of blood through the veins, the leg acquires a cyanotic color, it can be with a red and purple tint. In many cases, a change in the color of the skin during phlebothrombosis is accompanied by severe pain.

What is the difference between cyanosis in venous thrombosis and a similar symptom of other diseases:

1. The leg turns blue suddenly. A person can wake up in the morning and, unexpectedly for himself, see such a change in skin color.
2. If you press lightly on the blue spot with your finger and release it, a white spot will remain.
3. Such cyanosis does not have clear boundaries, it spreads to the entire lower leg or to the entire thigh. Often the color of the entire leg changes. No lines, smudges and other things on the leg will be visible.
4. Hue is not affected by changes in environmental conditions. For example, if the leg turns blue from the cold, in the warmth it will acquire a normal color. With phlebothrombosis, the shade will remain unchanged.
5. Very rarely the only symptom, more often accompanied by pain and swelling of the leg.

Distinguishing arterial thrombosis from venous thrombosis is simple: the leg turns white and becomes cold to the touch. Pain in arterial thrombosis is extremely strong, it is impossible to determine the pulsation of the arteries.

Swelling of a limb

Swelling of a limb is the main symptom of deep vein thrombosis. It can be distinguished from cardiac, renal and other types of edema by the following signs:

1. In most cases, it appears relatively quickly (in the evening the leg was normal, swollen in the morning). Cardiac edema develops slowly.
2. Most often it is one-sided – one leg swells.
3. The limbs have different diameters – the affected leg is visually thicker than the healthy one. In case of violations in cardiac activity, both legs swell, their diameter is approximately the same.
4. Swelling due to phlebothrombosis is often accompanied by pain and cyanosis of the skin.
5. It is the leg that swells. For example, with kidney problems, the face often swells.

Edema of more or less constant size, it is not characterized by an increase in the evening, but by the next morning a significant decrease. With a raised leg, it may temporarily decrease, but if you return it to its original position, the increased volume will be restored.

If phlebothrombosis occurs in the hands, the symptoms will be similar. But you should know that such a pathology in the upper limbs occurs extremely rarely. This usually occurs after some kind of intervention, for example, after intravenous administration of solutions. Most thrombosis on the hands does not require intensive treatment.

How often symptoms of deep vein thrombosis appear

There are no unified statistics on the frequency of occurrence of such symptoms, but approximate figures are known:

1. About 80% of patients complain of edema of varying severity.
2. In half of the cases of confirmed thrombosis there will be severe pain, which is characterized by patients as boring, sharp.
3. Blueness is less common – about 6% of cases.

Most patients (about 75%) complain of swelling and pain that occur almost simultaneously. If a person has pain, swelling of the lower limb and cyanosis of the skin at the same time, thrombosis after the examination is confirmed in almost everyone. More specifically, more than 90% of those who applied with these symptoms to the doctor.

What to do if you experience pain, swelling and bluishness

It is impossible to make a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis based only on the symptoms listed above. Their presence is a signal for a subsequent instrumental examination, which can only be performed by an experienced phlebologist or vascular surgeon. It is forbidden to self-diagnose, take any pills, rub the affected leg with ointments!

If the pain is severe, the skin has acquired a blue, purple or red tint, and the leg swells rapidly – it is imperative to call an ambulance. Attempts to get to the clinic for an appointment with a surgeon in such a situation can end sadly.

If the symptoms are not very pronounced, for example, the leg hurts and swells slightly, it makes sense to make an appointment with a phlebologist. The main thing is that he has the technical ability and competence to do duplex scanning (ultrasound). In this case, the doctor will be able to quickly make the correct diagnosis and choose the right treatment tactics.

Let’s summarize what to do with phlebothrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis of the lower limb is characterized by swelling, pain and cyanosis of the skin. In this case, one leg is affected, the swelling does not go away during the day. Pain with phlebothrombosis is strong, boring, it is difficult to endure it.

The combination of such symptoms is a signal to call an ambulance or urgently visit a phlebologist. Self-medication in this situation can result in disability or death.

Deep vein thrombosis

Untreated, causes 3-15% of pulmonary embolism deaths[4][5]. However, the likelihood of death from deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremities is extremely small. Men are more susceptible to this disease than women, given that the latter have not taken combined oral contraceptives. A late complication of the disease is post-thrombotic syndrome.

Causes of deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities develops in humans under the influence of a combination of several factors. First of all, this is the presence of damage to the inner lining of the venous wall, which arose as a result of chemical, mechanical, allergic or infectious action. Also, the process of development of deep vein thrombosis directly depends on the violation of the blood coagulation system and the slowing of blood flow.

Under the influence of certain circumstances, an increase in blood viscosity may occur. If there are certain obstacles on the walls of the vein, the blood flow worsens, as a result of which the possibility of blood clots increases dramatically. After a small thrombus appears on the vein wall, an inflammatory process develops, the vein wall is further damaged, and as a result, prerequisites for the appearance of other blood clots appear.

A direct prerequisite for the manifestation of deep vein thrombosis is the presence of congestion in the veins of the legs. Such stagnation occurs due to low mobility or even immobility of a person over a long period of time.

Thus, the factors that can “start” the development of this disease are infectious diseases, the presence of injuries and operations, too much physical stress. Deep vein thrombosis often occurs in patients who have been immobile for a long time after operations, with some neurological and therapeutic diseases, in young mothers in the postpartum period. Provoking factors also often become malignant diseases, the use of oral hormonal contraceptives, resulting in increased blood clotting, called hypercoagulability.

If a person keeps his legs down in a stationary position for too long, then the likelihood of developing the disease increases dramatically. Today, Western countries even define the terms “television thrombophlebitis” (a consequence of prolonged sitting in front of the TV) and “economic class syndrome” (a consequence of frequent and long flights). In both cases, the main factor in the development of the disease is the prolonged stay of a person in a pose with bent legs.

In some cases, the blood flow in the deep veins is disturbed due to the manifestation of Buerger’s disease.

In most cases, thrombosis affects the lower extremities. However, it happens that thrombosis develops in the deep veins of the hands. In this case, the reasons for this condition are the presence of a catheter in the vein for a long time, the presence of an implanted cardiofibrillator or pacemaker, the appearance of a malignant tumor in the vein, too much stress on the hands (manifested mainly in athletes).

There are other important risk factors that predispose to deep vein thrombosis. Among these, anesthesia should be noted. There are studies proving that the use of general anesthesia with muscle relaxants provokes deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities much more often than regional methods of anesthesia.

Another important factor is obesity. People who are overweight are much more likely to suffer from manifestations of postoperative thrombosis.

The age factor in this case also plays one of the determining roles. After all, the older a person becomes, the more his general mobility decreases, and, consequently, the blood flow is disturbed, the vessels become less elastic.

If a patient already has manifestations of thrombosis in anamnesis, then the possibility of its recurrence increases several times.

Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis

Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis are manifested by a complex of signs that indicate a sharp violation of the venous outflow, while the inflow of arterial blood is preserved.

Regardless of where exactly the thrombosis is located, the patient may experience cyanosis and swelling of the affected limb, the manifestation of arching pains, an increase in skin temperature, which manifests itself locally. A person may feel that the saphenous veins are full, and pain may also occur along the course of the vascular bundle.

Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis are not characterized by stiffness in the joints and changes in sensitivity. Most patients with thrombosis have signs of periphlebitis and aseptic phlebitis.

When the deep veins of the lower leg are affected, the diagnosis is usually most difficult to establish, since the clinical manifestations of this disease are especially poor. In general, the disease may not cause concern for the patient, and sometimes for the doctor. Most often, as a symptom of deep vein thrombosis of the lower leg, only mild pain in the muscles of the calves appears, which can become more intense during walking or when moving the leg to a vertical position. In the presence of edema of the distal limbs, the diagnosis of the disease is facilitated. As a rule, swelling appears in the ankle area. With thrombosis of all deep veins of the lower leg, a strong violation of the venous outflow occurs, therefore, the symptoms are more pronounced.

The symptoms that appear with femoral vein thrombosis depend on how narrow the lumen of the vessel is and how widespread the blood clots are. In general, with this form of the disease, more pronounced symptoms appear. The patient has an increase in the volume of the thigh and lower leg, cyanosis of the skin appears, on the lower leg and in the distal part of the thigh there is an expansion of the saphenous veins. Inguinal lymph nodes may increase, hyperthermia develops up to 38 degrees.

Acute deep vein thrombosis is characterized by the prevalence and duration of the pathological process. In this condition, the localization of blood clots is observed not only where the wall of the vessels is damaged, but also in the lumen of the vessel. In this case, the outflow of blood is blocked.

Quite often, in about 50% of cases, with the development of deep vein thrombosis, blood flows through the communicating veins into the saphenous veins, therefore, an asymptomatic course of thrombosis is observed. The fact that a person has suffered thrombosis is sometimes evidenced by the presence of noticeable venous collaterals in the lower abdomen, on the lower leg, thigh, and in the area of ​​the hip joints.

Complications of deep vein thrombosis

As a complication of deep vein thrombosis, the patient may eventually develop chronic venous insufficiency, which results in the development of leg edema, and trophism is disturbed. In turn, this leads to eczema, lipodermatosclerosis, and the appearance of trophic ulcers.

The most dangerous complication of deep vein thrombosis for humans is considered to be pulmonary embolism. With the development of this disease, pieces of a blood clot break off, which move with the blood flow to the lungs, and, getting into the pulmonary artery, provoke its embolism. Due to impaired blood flow in the pulmonary artery, acute respiratory and heart failure develops. This is fatal. If there is a blockage of a small branch of the pulmonary artery, then the patient manifests a pulmonary infarction.

Deep vein thrombosis diagnostics

Diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis is carried out by a phlebologist. Initially, after the interview and examination of the patient, special tourniquet tests are performed using an elastic bandage. In order to adequately assess the features of blood flow in deep veins, the method of phlebography, duplex scanning is used, as well as ultrasound diagnostics of leg veins. To obtain information about the state of microcirculation, rheovasography of the lower extremities is used.

Treatment of deep vein thrombosis

When treating deep vein thrombosis, it is necessary to take into account its localization, prevalence, duration of the disease, as well as the severity of the disease.

The goal of thrombosis therapy is several defining points. First of all, an important task in this case is the need to stop the further spread of thrombosis. It is extremely important for this diagnosis to prevent the development of pulmonary embolism, stop the development of edema, thereby preventing probable gangrene and, in the future, loss of a limb. An equally important point should be considered the restoration of vein patency in order to avoid the appearance of post-thrombophlebitic disease. It is also important to prevent the manifestation of recurrent thrombosis, which negatively affects the prognosis of the disease.

For conservative treatment of deep vein thrombosis, it is desirable to place the patient in a specialized department of the hospital. Until a full examination, he must strictly adhere to bed rest. If bed rest is observed, the limb affected by thrombosis must be kept in an elevated position. If there is no possibility of a comprehensive and complete examination of the patient, he is prescribed anticoagulants, and also use local hypothermia along the projection of the vascular bundle.

Elastic bandages may be appropriate in some cases, but the decision to use them should be left to the attending physician.

Treatment of deep vein thrombosis with drugs involves the appointment of three main groups of drugs. Firstly, these are anticoagulants, secondly, fibrinolytics and thrombolytics, and thirdly, antiplatelet agents.

In order to monitor the state of blood clotting, the patient needs to regularly conduct a coagulogram.

Treatment of deep vein thrombosis with anticoagulants may be affected by treatment with other drugs for various comorbidities. You should not use anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as painkillers, which can affect blood clotting, without the approval of a doctor. It is also important to coordinate with the doctor the intake of antibiotics, oral antidiabetic agents.

It is also important to take into account the fact that taking thrombolytic drugs has the proper effect only in the early stages of thrombosis. At later stages, the use of this type of drug presents a certain danger due to the probable fragmentation of a thrombus and subsequent pulmonary embolism.

If the disorders in the affected limb are very pronounced, the patient is scheduled for thrombectomy. This method involves the surgical removal of a blood clot from a vein. Such an operation is performed only when there are life-threatening complications of deep vein thrombosis for the patient.

Deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis

In order for the disease not to progress, people who already have thrombosis should also know about some preventive measures.

The diet of a patient with deep vein thrombosis involves the introduction of a large amount of raw fruits and vegetables containing fiber into the diet. It is from fiber that fibrous fibers are synthesized, which strengthen the venous walls. You should not eat very spicy and salty foods, which can contribute to fluid retention, which in turn will increase blood volume. It is also not recommended to consume those foods that have a high level of vitamin K, as they counteract the ongoing treatment. In this case, we are talking about the liver, coffee, green tea, green salad, spinach, cabbage.

It is wrong to think that patients with deep vein thrombosis should spend time in bed all the time. In fact, bed rest is prescribed only at high risk of pulmonary embolism. In other cases, dosed walking, on the contrary, reduces the likelihood of further development of thrombosis and its recurrence.

At the same time, patients with thrombosis should not visit the sauna, bath, do any thermal procedures, massage.