March is Deep Vein Thrombosis Month and marks an important time to raise awareness of this common vein condition. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition that involves blood clotting in veins deep within the body. A potentially dangerous complication of DVT is the development of a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism is caused when either the clot (also called the thrombus) or pieces of it travel to small blood vessels of the lungs and get stuck. Deep vein thrombosis is likely underdiagnosed with varying sources citing up to 350,000 affected in the US alone. It is estimated that someone dies from a blood clot every 5 minutes with 10-30% of people dying within a month of their diagnosis of DVT. Deep vein thrombosis can be life-threatening but for many, it is preventable and treatable.
What are symptoms of DVT?
There are several warning signs for deep vein thrombosis, though it is important to note that in some patients’ symptoms may appear suddenly while in other patients there may be none. DVT is often found in the leg, specifically the back of the knee, but can sometimes occur in other places like in the pelvis or the upper body. Speak with your doctor if you notice any of these:
- Swelling of a leg (or affected area), typically the calf and usually only on that one side
- The swollen area feels warm
- Redness or discoloration
- Pain or tenderness, sometimes can feel like cramping
Call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical attention if you present any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain, especially when breathing in
- Coughing, possibly with blood
- Increased heart rate
- Lightheaded, dizzy, or fainting
What are causes of DVT?
There are three main underlying causes for the development of DVTs:
- Immobility: Stagnation from sitting or lying still too long can cause blood to pool and settle which leads to clot formations.
- Injury: Damage to a vessel, like from surgery, can cause the walls to narrow or become blocked.
- Hypercoagulation: Some factors, such as genetics or certain medications, can cause blood to be “thick” and more prone to clotting.
What are risk factors for DVT?
There are many risk factors that can lead to deep vein thrombosis. Once risks are identified, steps can be taken to try and mitigate these risks:
- Family history: There are genetic disorders that can be inherited but environmental factors (lifestyle, diet, etc) may contribute; if close relatives have had a DVT, your chances increase.
- Previous clot: Roughly 30% of those who have had a DVT will have it again.
- Age: Odds increase with age, especially after 40.
- Trauma: Events that may damage vessels, like surgery or bone fractures, can increase the risk of DVT.
- Stasis: Long periods of not moving, such as for bed rest, travel, or work, may cause blood to pool. The platelets in the blood may start “sticking” to each other leading to a clot.
- Smoking: Nicotine affects blood circulation and clotting which could increase risk.
- Birth control, pregnancy, recent childbirth, hormone therapy: Higher estrogen levels can cause blood to be more prone to clotting.
- Obesity: There is more pressure on the veins and pelvis possibly leading to circulation issues.
- Other health complications: Some health conditions may make one more prone to deep vein thromboses, such as heart disease or cancer.
Be proactive about your health. Pay attention to any changes you see or feel. If you notice a change, tell your health care provider.
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