Deep Vein Thrombosis
Occurs when your blood thickens in a clump that becomes solid, forming a clot. Nearly 300,000 first-time cases of DVT occur in the U.S. every year, usually in the leg.
Requires prompt attention
If you develop a clot and a piece of it breaks off, it could travel to one of your lungs and make breathing difficult, or even cause death.
Medically treatable
Most commonly treated with blood thinners.
Symptoms
May be absent
DVT can occur without any warning signs.
Discomfort along the affected vein
Swelling, pain, redness or warmth along the vein that has the clot.
Causes
DVT forms when your blood flow becomes very slow. Some specific causes of DVT include:
- Inactivity, such as after a major operation or during a flight.
- Damage to a vein can cause a clot to form – especially damage from a catheter, like those used in dialysis, or from a PICC line.
- Cancer and certain other diseases and genetic conditions, called hypercoagulable states, that cause your blood to clot more easily.
- Medications, especially hormones.
Diagnosis
You may need to see a vascular surgeon.
You will be asked questions about symptoms and medical history, including questions about family members. The vascular surgeon will also perform a physical exam.
Tests may be recommended.
- A blood test known as a D-dimer
- A duplex ultrasound test
Treatment
DVT is usually treated with medication.
- Blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, are the most common medicines used for treating DVT. They prevent blood clots from getting larger by decreasing your blood’s ability to clot. Over time, your body works with the blood thinners to decrease the size and consistency of the clot. Blood thinners can be taken as a pill, as an injection or intravenously (through an IV). Blood thinners can increase your chance of bleeding, so careful follow-up with your vascular surgeon is necessary.
- Thrombolytic therapy is sometimes used to quickly dissolve a blood clot, especially if the clot is large and causing severe symptoms. This treatment brings a much higher risk of bleeding than blood thinners, so it is not used unless truly necessary.
- An IVC filter placed inside the inferior vena cava, one of the largest veins in the body, may be an option. The filter does not stop a blood clot from forming, but can prevent a large clot from entering your lungs.