Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
Check out this blog to learn more about thrombosisWhat is thrombosis?
Thrombosis is a condition where a blood clot blocks the free circulation of blood. It is of two types according to the location of the clot. A clot in an artery is called an arterial thrombosis, and in a vein it is referred to as a venous thrombosis.
Venous thrombosis is also called deep vein thrombosis. It occurs when a clot is in one of the body's deep veins. It is usually located on the lower leg and pelvis; however, it can appear on any part of
the body, such as the arm, lung, kidney, and even the brain. A clot partially or completely interrupts blood flow through a vein.
Causes of DVT
Fracture
Traumatic vein injury can be surgical
Limited mobility as in bedridden cases
Obesity
Genetic disorders
Smoking
Coagulation disorders
Long-term hormone therapy medications or oral contraceptive pills
Autoimmune disease
Obesity
Old age
Symptoms of DVT
Symptoms vary and can occur with one or more symptoms that
seem similar to any common health problem, so check with your
doctor to rule out any complications.
Edema or swelling of the limb
Legs hurt only with exertion
Tenderness or warmth in the swelling
Redness of the skin
Veins appear prominent
Pain in the calf or front of the thigh
Disoriented speech or mentality
Pain in the chest
Loss of feeling
Stuffiness
Palpitation
Excruciating chest pain
Fatigue with moderate exertion
Cough
Profuse sweating
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on physical examination and history correlated with other diagnostic tests. This can be broken down as:
Hematological examination:
Complete routine blood tests
D-Dimer test - confirmatory test for a clot
Magnetic resonance imaging to rule out deep vein thrombosis in the abdominal area.
Computed topography to localize deep vein thrombosis in the
abdomen and clots in the thoracic and thoracic region and clots in
the lungs to rule out pulmonary embolism.
Duplex Ultrasound – A series of USGs performed sequentially to
assess the progress of blood clots.
Venography to identify clots.
Treatment of deep vein thrombosis
The method of treatment depends on age, health status and
medical history, tolerance to pharmacotherapy and prognosis.
Treatment is preferred:
Prevent clot expansion
Prevent the clot from moving into the lungs as it breaks up
Prevent relapse of another deep vein thrombosis
Anticoagulant drugs:
Inhibit the expansion and movement of drugs.
Compression stockings:
Wear below the knee as symptomatic treatment to reduce swelling.
Cava filters:
The implant is used to prevent blood clots from depositing in the
lungs to prevent pulmonary embolism.
Complications of deep vein thrombosis
Stroke
Cardiac arrest
Prevention of deep vein thrombosis
Postoperative physiotherapy and exercises according to instructions.
Physical activity
Exercising the legs during long journeys
Lifestyle modification
Maintain an optimal body weight.
Treatment of other comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension
Conclusion
Deep vein thrombosis can be fatal. Early medical intervention can
prevent this condition from escalating to a stroke or cardiac arrest.
If you notice any of the symptoms, contact your doctor
immediately to rule out complications.



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