Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which blood clot (thrombus) is formed within deep veins in your body. The blood clot occurs when the blood thickens or clumps together. It commonly affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh although it can affect any part of the body.

Several factors such as sitting for a long time while travelling, inherited blood disorders, prolonged hospital stay or bed rest, injury to the veins from surgery, certain cancers, pregnancy, smoking, obesity, heart failure and hormone replacement therapy may increase the chance of developing DVT.

Deep vein thrombosis can lead to pulmonary embolism, a condition where the blood clot breaks off from the vein and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs and blocks the blood flow. The loose clots are called emboli. Pulmonary embolism is a very serious condition and can be fatal if left untreated.

Another condition called as Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS) may develop which is characterised by long term swelling of the leg (oedema), skin discoloration and pain. These symptoms may be observed immediately or may develop after some years.

Blood clots in the thigh can easily break off resulting in pulmonary embolism, whereas the blood clots further from the torso do not break off so easily.

In some cases, a DVT may not cause noticeable symptoms but often when they occur you may observe pain and swelling in the affected leg including ankle and foot, increased warmth over the affected area and changes in your skin colour. And if you develop sudden difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, dizziness, sweating, coughing blood and nervousness it may indicate pulmonary embolism. Immediate transport to the nearest emergency department is recommended!

Your doctor will perform a physical examination to check for the areas of swelling, tenderness or skin discoloration. Other tests such as a D-dimer blood test, ultrasound of the legs, and CT or MRI scan that provides pictures of your veins may be ordered.

There are several treatment options available to treat DVT condition and they include:

• Medications: Anti-coagulants also called blood thinners that decrease blood’s ability to clot may be prescribed.  These medications do not dissolve the existing clots, but helps in preventing the clot from becoming bigger. Clot busters or thrombolytic are used to break the clots and are prescribed only in life threatening situations.
• Compression Stocking: Compression stockings are usually worn on the legs to reduce swelling that may occur after a blood clot has developed in your leg. The stocking creates pressure and improves the blood flow in your legs and reduces the risk of developing blood clots. These stockings should be worn regularly for at least a year.

Surgery may be rarely needed if the prescribed medications do not work.

Placement of Filter: During the surgery a filter is placed in the vena cava of the abdomen to prevent the blood clots that break loose from traveling to the lungs.

If you are at a risk of developing DVT, you can help prevent the condition by

• Regular check-ups
• Taking the prescribed medications
• Wearing compression stockings
• Exercising: Stretching or moving your leg when you are travelling or when sitting for a longer time.
• Modifying life style habits such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and controlling your blood pressure.