As the name suggests, a DVT occurs when a thrombus, or blood clot, forms inside a deep vein, partially or completely blocking blood through the vein. Deep veins, such as those located in the calf or thigh, are surrounded by strong muscles that normally contract to pump circulating blood back to the heart. If blood is unable to circulate properly due to illness, injury, or sustained immobility, blood can pool and form a clot. In normal circumstances, blood clots form to help heal the body after an injury. For instance, clotting blood is what stops bleeding after a cut. In the case of DVT, the clotting process occurs when it is not needed, causing harm. Clots can block blood flow or can break loose and travel to the lungs where it blocks the flow of blood to the heart. If this occurs, the clot is called a pulmonary embolism (PE).
Pulmonary embolism is a potentially life-threatening complication of DVT and can often occur without warning. Someone with a pulmonary embolism may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart rate, sweating, coughing, and / or coughing of blood. If caught in time, a PE can be effectively treated with drugs that break-up clots, called anticoagulants. If the PE remains untreated, the risk of death is approximately 25%.
The majority of people with deep vein thrombosis are 60 years of age or older, however, this condition can strike anyone at risk. In addition to injury or immobility, certain cancers, surgery complications, pregnancy, long airline flights, and taking oral contraceptives are all linked to an increased risk of DVT. Symptoms of DVT include pain, tenderness, swelling, skin discoloration, as well as skin that is warm to the touch. Despite these signs, 50% of people with DVT experienced no symptoms whatsoever, making the condition a silent killer.
The best way to combat DVT is prevention. Anyone who thinks they may be experiencing symptoms of a DVT should seek immediate medical attention. When proper care is received in a timely manner, the chance of developing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism is less than 1%. After a diagnosis of DVT, many patients either go on medications to treat the clot, called thrombolytics and/or anti-coagulants. Other patients may require surgery to remove the clot. Simple steps such as taking walks, flexing your muscles when sitting for long periods of time, staying well-hydrated, and wearing supportive stockings can all prevent DVTs from forming.
