What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) ?
What is DVT?
What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot within a deep vein. A clot inside a blood vessel is called a thrombosis. DVT predominantly develops within the legs and may not be accompanied with any symptoms. The non-specific symptoms of DVT include pain, swelling, redness, warmness, and engorged superficial veins (‘spider veins’) in the leg. DVT may go away naturally, but serious complications can develop when a thrombosis dislodges and travels to the lungs to become a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. DVT and PE are the two manifestations of the disease venous thromboembolism. A late complication of DVT is the post-thrombotic syndrome, which can manifest itself as edema, pain or discomfort and skin problems.
In addition to anti-coagulation treatment, graduated compression socks or stockings, that apply a firm pressure at the ankles and graduate to a lower pressure towards the knees, are recommended for those at risk of developing, showing symptoms of, or diagnosed with DVT.
Factors related to DVT:
Besides inherited attributes, there are many other factors that exacerbate the development of DVT:
- Older age
- Major surgery and orthopaedic surgery, cancers
- Pregnancy and the postpartum period
- Hormonal replacement therapy
- Central venous catheters
- Some auto immune diseases
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Obesity
- Infections
- HIV
- Polycythemia vera
- Chemotherapy
- Immobilization: e.g. sitting for long periods, e.g. when travelling by air, constrained by orthopaedic casts
How to reduce the risk of travel related DVT:
- Regular exercise and movement of your legs, feet and toes while you are sitting in a static position.
- Regular massage of leg (and other) muscles.
- Wear graduated compression socks/stockings and comfortable clothing.
- Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.