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Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot, also known as a thrombus, forms in a deep vein in the body. The blood clot can partially or totally block blood flow in the vein. DVT most commonly occurs in the leg veins. The blood clot can break off and travel to the lungs resulting in a pulmonary embolus which can be life threatening.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT)

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) affects mainly the veins in the lower leg and the thigh.
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Pulmonary embolus

An embolus is a blockage of an artery in the lungs by fat, air, tumor tissue, or blood clot.
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Risk Factors

  • Immobility (long car or airplane trips)
  • Recent surgery
  • Stroke
  • Trauma
  • Pregnancy
  • Estrogen (birth control or hormone replacement therapy)
  • Coagulation disorders (tendency for the blood to clot)
  • Malignancy
  • Over 60 years of age
  • History of DVT or pulmonary embolus
  • Obesity
  • Heart failure

Blood clot (thrombus)

This picture shows a red and swollen thigh and leg caused by a blood clot (thrombus)
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Symptoms

  • Pain in leg or arm
  • Sudden swelling in leg or arm
  • Change in skin color of leg or arm (bluish or reddish color)
  • Warmth in the leg or arm
  • Dilation of superficial veins

The symptoms depend on the size and location of the blood clot. However, DVT may not cause any symptoms.

Medical treatment
A medication called an anticoagulant, also known as a blood thinner, is used to prevent the existing blood clot from getting larger and new blood clots from forming. This medication does not dissolve the blood clot that is already formed. The medication may be administered intravenously, by injection into the skin, or by mouth. Initially, it may be given in two forms. Eventually, you will only take the medication by mouth after the oral medication becomes effective by itself. The proper dose of the blood thinner is determined by a blood test, called an International Normalized Ratio (INR). Your primary doctor will determine the dose of the medication, how often to have your INR checked and how long you will take this medication.

In certain situations, a thrombolytic medication may be used to dissolve the blood clot. However, when a blood thinner cannot be used, a filter may be placed in the vena cava (the large vein in the abdomen) to prevent blood clots from traveling to your lung. Surgery is rarely performed to treat a blood clot.

Other treatment

Leg elevation
Elevate the affected arm or leg above the level of the heart.

Compression bandages or stockings
Wear bandages or stockings to assist blood flow back to the heart. Your doctor may give you a prescription for compression stockings.

Bed rest
Bed rest may be ordered depending upon the location of the blood clot in your body.

Blood clot prevention

  • Know the symptoms of DVT.
  • Anticoagulation or intermittent compression stockings may be used in high risk patients or patients undergoing high risk surgical procedures to prevent a blood clot.
  • Wear elastic compression stockings to promote blood flow on long trips in a car or airplane, especially if you have a history of DVT or pulmonary embolus.
  • Get regular exercise (a few minutes every hour) on long car or airplane rides.
  • Exercise both feet while lying, sitting or standing for long periods of time.
  • Discontinue any medications that contribute to blood clotting if recommended by your doctor.
  • Avoid tight clothing that can restrict blood flow.

When to call the doctor

Call the doctor if there is sudden onset of swelling of the leg or arm. Get immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
  • Cough, sudden onset or bloody
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Fainting

 

Review Date: 02/05

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