(DVT’s)A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot (thrombus) that develops in a deep vein, usually in the leg. This can happen if the vein is damaged or if the flow of blood slows down or stops. Deep vein thrombosis can cause pain in the leg, and can lead to complications if it breaks off and travels in the bloodstream to the lungs. A thrombosis occurs when the blood changes from a liquid to a solid state there by producing a clot.
Where do DVT’s happen?
There are two types of veins in the legs: deep and superficial. The deep veins pass through the center of the leg, surrounded by the muscles. It’s here that DVT’s most often develop. Less commonly DVT’s occur in the deep veins of the arm or pelvis
Who gets a DVT?
Certain factors make a DVT more likely to occur. They are more common in people aged over 40 and in people who are obese, or who have already had a DVT. Several inherited conditions make the blood more likely to clot than usual, increasing the risk.
Other factors include:
Prolonged bed rest, (immobility)
Major injuries, or paralysis
Surgery, especially if it lasts more than 30 minutes, or involves the leg joints or pelvis
Cancer and its treatments, which can cause the blood to clot more easily
Long-distance travel, because of the prolonged immobility It is unclear whether or not air travel is more risky than other long journeys – for example by car or coach
Pregnancy and childbirth – related to hormone changes that make the blood clot more easily and because the fetus puts added pressure on the veins of the pelvis. There is also risk of injury to veins during delivery or a caesarean. The risk is at its highest just after childbirth
Taking a contraceptive pill that contains estrogen most modern pills contain a low dose, which increases the risk by an amount that is acceptable for most women
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
For many women, the benefits outweigh the increase in risk.
Other circulation or heart problems
Being a smoker
Factures
History of Polycythemia Vera, malignant tumor, and inherited or acquired hypercoagulability (changes in the levels of blood clotting factors making the blood more likely to clot)
What kind of problems can DVT’s cause?
A DVT below the knee is unlikely to cause complications and may only need to be monitored. (but not in all cases) when a clot forms in or above the knee, there is a risk that it will break away and travel up the vein to block a blood vessel in the lung. This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). Depending on the size of the clot, it can be a life-threatening condition. But with appropriate treatment, it is rare for a DVT to lead to a pulmonary embolism. A DVT can damage the valves in the vein, so that instead of flowing upwards, the blood pools in the lower leg. This is called post-thrombotic syndrome, and can result in pain, swelling, discoloration and sores on the leg.
What are the symptoms of a DVT?
When a clot forms, it can either partially or totally block the blood flow in that vein. Symptoms of a DVT can include:
Swelling of the leg
Warmth and redness of the leg
Pain that is noticeable, or worse when standing or walking
These are not always a sign of a DVT, but anyone who experiences them should contact there doctor immediately.
What are the symptoms of pulmonary embolism?
These include:
Shortness of breath
Chest pain that may be worsened by deep breathes
Coughing up phlegm, possibly flecked with blood.
Anyone with these symptoms should seek emergency medical treatment.
Prolonged bed rest, (immobility)
