One of the most common circulatory problems is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It commonly affects the legs but it can be diagnosed on the arms and pelvis as well. The most recent data suggests that about 30% of patients can succumb if DVT is not diagnosed and treated within the first few months. People above the age of 40 years who do much physical exercise are the highest risk of DVT.
How Does DVT Happen
DVT is more likely to occur in people who have had a pulmonary embolism incident in their medical history. That’s just about one in every one thousand adults. But more men are affected than women.
The other factors that are likely to lead to DVT include physical injury to the leg, hip injury, smoking and the impact of birth control medication that interferes with hormones, clotting and circulation.
Presenting Symptoms for Deep Vein Thrombosis
DVT manifests in many ways and what to watch out for depends on the exact location of the clot. If in the lower extremities, the following signs are common:
- Inflammation and tenderness in the affected leg
- Localized pain that worsens when you stand or walk
- Hot red skin spotted over the blocked vein
- Tingling sensation
- Leg cramps
Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis
We have already touched on this. The biggest cause of DVT is believed to be trauma to the vein, leading to injury and the subsequent clotting and clogging. Even so, a few present medical conditions and lifestyle choices can increase your vulnerability to DVT:
- Prolonged sitting
- Botched surgery
- The pressure of pregnancy and childbirth
- Obesity
DVT Diagnosis
Some of the major diagnostic procedures for DVT include MRI, magnetic resonance, and ultrasound. However the doctor may begin with a simple physical exam and ask questions about symptoms before moving to imaging.
Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment
Based on your condition, your doctor will recommend any of the below treatments available for DVT:
Anticoagulants
Basically, anticoagulants help your blood to clot less often. And that’s just how they work, to minimize the extent of clotting and blockage in the deep veins. Recovery may be quick once this medicine is administered after an early diagnosis of DVT.
Compression stockings
What these stockings do is improve pressure on your lower legs so that blood can freely circulate to your legs and back to the upper body. Doctors may prescribe stockings for full-day use over a period of months until the DVT dissipates.
Surgery
Not all cases of deep vein thrombosis are treatable with the above two approaches. If DVT persists after medication or props, the next best course of action is usually surgery. Some of the most common procedures are minimally invasive. These include stenting, where micro devices are inserted to unclog and keep the veins open. The other is thrombectomy, where the clot is accessed and broken up using microscopic tools in a quick and painless way.
Filters
Doctors may also insert a filter in your affected leg. The purpose for this is to keep clots from traveling up to your vitals, where they are more likely to cause symptom severity and fatality. These filters consist of metal coils that sit inside the vein. If a clot forms, it will be trapped by the filter and never reach your lungs or heart.
Conclusion
Deep vein thrombosis is a condition that can be fatal if not treated. It is essential to seek medical help at the first sign of symptoms and to avoid any activities that might put you at risk of developing this condition. If you’re seeking diagnosis or treatment for deep vein thrombosis, contact us at Washington Vascular Specialists to discuss the best treatment option available. Call us at 301-891-2500.
