Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

what is deep vein thrombosis / What is a DVT?

A DVT is a blood clot is in the muscle veins of the legs - it is termed a Deep Vein Thrombosis.

DVT Symptoms

Sudden swelling and tightness in one leg
Pain, deep ache or tenderness in the leg (often the calf)
The pain does not improve with walking.
Raised skin temperature over the sore area

RISK FACTORS for Developing DVT

previous DVT or family history of DVT
illness or surgery
long distance travel
cancer
contraceptive pill, HRT
pregnancy
varicose veins
obesity
paralyisis or immobility

If you have any of the symptoms combined with any of the Risk Factors, you should seek immediate Medical advice. Tell the doctor or the hospital of you risk factors. Detection is with an ultrasound scan.

What Happens?

Blood traveling up through the leg veins towards the heart normally moves very slowly, and relies on movements in the muscles to help move it along. There are many reasons why the blood will occasionally clot and block a vein (see Risk Factors above).

Often the clot will dissolve away without anyone ever knowing, but if it is large enough it can cause problems and complications, from slight to fatal. When the blood clots, it will become solid and block parts of one or more of the large veins in the muscles of the leg. Usually it begins in the calf and may extend up the leg.

If the clot is in the muscle veins it is termed a Deep Vein Thrombosis.

If a portion of clot breaks away, travels up the body and lodges in the lung, it can cause breathing difficulties. This is called a Pulmonary Embolus.

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DVT Treatment

An ultrasound scan will reveal the extent and severity of the clot, which will determine treatment. The main Deep Vein Thrombosis treatment - or similar problems with clotting of the blood - is medicines that will prevent the blood from clotting easily.

All patients will be encouraged to move around as much as they can. Compression stockings are often worn to cover the length of the whole leg to give support to the veins and reduce swelling.