Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is a vascular condition characterised by blockage of a deep vein in the body, generally the legs, due to a blood clot or thrombus. Deep vein thrombosis may lead to swelling or pain in the legs. Milder cases are usually asymptomatic.
Deep vein thrombosis may occur secondary to certain medical conditions that interfere with the mechanism of blood clotting. A clot can also develop in the leg veins if you are immobile for a long time. Suppose you may be immobile if you are travelling on a long-distance flight or when you are on bed rest post-surgery or due to a major illness or accident.
Deep vein thrombosis can be life-threatening because there is a risk of these blood clots breaking loose and dislodging. These blood clots can navigate to the lungs through the bloodstream, where they can block the blood flow and give rise to a condition called pulmonary embolism. When pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis occur concomitantly, the condition is called venous thromboembolism (VTE).
The common symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include swelling and cramping pain in the legs that often starts in the calf, a change in the skin color of the legs, and a feeling of warmth in the affected area. Deep vein thrombosis can occur even in the absence of any noticeable symptoms.
If you reside around Navi Mumbai and experience symptoms of deep vein thrombosis as listed above, you must visit Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai and get an appointment with an expert doctor. Please note that having a pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care and attention. The warning signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism include sudden shortness of breath, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, chest pain or discomfort that worsens on taking a breath or on coughing, rapid pulse or breathing, fainting or getting unconscious, and coughing up blood.
Any condition that interferes with the process of clotting blood or with the proper blood flow can lead to the development of this condition. The major causes of DVT include damage to a vein due to surgery, infection, inflammation, or trauma.
To diagnose deep vein thrombosis, the doctor asks for your full medical history, followed by performing a complete physical examination. He might ask you certain questions about your condition and check your legs for any signs of swelling, change of skin color, or tenderness.
The investigations are recommended depending on whether you are at high or low risk for developing deep vein thrombosis. The investigations performed to diagnose or rule out a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis include a D-dimer blood test, Duplex ultrasound, Venography, and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
The treatment of a case of deep vein thrombosis is focused on three main aims, including:
Certain medications, including blood thinners and clot busters, are prescribed to deal with the condition. Apart from this, filters and compression stockings are suggested as a part of the treatment plan for suitable candidates.
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