Overview
Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is a condition where blood clots (thrombus) form in the deep veins of the body. They mostly affect the venous system of the lower limbs like the thigh and the legs but can also occur in the deep veins of the arms, pelvis, abdomen, brain, liver, or abdomen.
DVT can cause intense cramping pain and swelling. The skin in the surrounding areas becomes warm and there is a bluish, reddish, or darker tint in the skin.
People who are above the age of 60, are overweight, have a previous history of DVT, and are cancer patients are more likely to get this disease. Having varicose veins also puts you at a risk of developing DVT.
Deep vein thrombosis treatment mainly involves anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) and surgery if there are complications like pulmonary embolism which is a life-threatening disease.
Is deep vein thrombosis dangerous?
DVT requires quick diagnosis and treatment as the symptoms can sometimes escalate and lead to a life-threatening situation.
Acute DVT can occur suddenly and become an emergency.
An embolism or thromboembolism occurs when the blood clots (emboli) in the veins break down and travel through the bloodstream. They can get lodged in the lungs and block the blood flow (pulmonary embolism) to the lungs, heart, and brain. This is a life-threatening situation and can cause a heart attack or a stroke.
What causes deep vein thrombosis?
Though DVT is more common in older people, it can occur at any age. Many factors may cause DVTs.
Deep vein thrombosis causes include:
Old age
People over the age of 60 are more likely to develop this disease. Reduced physical activity during old age is a root cause of this disease. Other factors like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, diabetes, and other types of malignant diseases such as cancer can cause DVT.
Lack of mobility
Calf muscle contractions help the blood to flow toward the heart. A sedentary lifestyle, sitting for a long duration, prolonged bed rest due to some disease or surgery, or paralysis can cause DVT.
Vein injury
Vein injury during surgery or an injection to the arm or leg can lead to the development of blood clots.
Medications and therapy
Certain medications like oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy can cause DVT.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can increase vein pressure in the legs and the pelvis. This generally resolves after childbirth. People who have a history of clotting disorders are more at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.
Obesity
Being obese increases the pressure in the veins of the lower body like the pelvis and legs.
Family history
If there is a history of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis in one or both parents or close relatives, it increases the chances of DVT.
Cancer
People who are undergoing chemotherapy or have lung, or heart cancers. or other types of cancers can develop DVT.
Heart failure
A heart attack can lead to pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis.
What are the warning signs or symptoms of deep vein thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis symptoms are more common in the legs and the arms.
Warning signs of deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremity include:
- Sudden swelling in the arms or the legs
- Painful, sharp cramps that start in the calf region and gradually spread to the entire leg
- Enlarged veins that are sore to touch
- The swollen area is warm, red, or discoloured
- The veins that are closer to the skin’s surface are larger than the rest of the veins
- Flank pain when there are clots in the deep veins of the abdomen
Warning signs of deep vein thrombosis in the upper extremity include:
- Sharp, noticeable pain in the neck and shoulders
- Pain in the upper arms that gradually moves toward the forearm
- Unexplained arm swelling
- Pale blue hue or discolouration in the affected area
- Severe headaches or seizures when the veins of the brain are affected
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