Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the condition where a blood clot has formed in one of the deep veins. This usually occurs in the leg, where the clot tends to appear in the calf and travel up into the thigh. Less common is the appearance of DVT in other deep veins such as those found in the arm, but it can still happen.



There are various things that cause DVT and several factors that will place you at a higher risk of getting it. If you have a heart

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the condition where a blood clot has formed in one of the deep veins. This usually occurs in the leg, where the clot tends to appear in the calf and travel up into the thigh. Less common is the appearance of DVT in other deep veins such as those found in the arm, but it can still happen.



There are various things that cause DVT and several factors that will place you at a higher risk of getting it. If you have a heart disease or circulation problems, are obese, are over forty years old, pregnant or have just had a baby, immobile, have had a blood clot in a vein before, have cancer or have had treatment for cancer, have a family history of blood clots in veins, if you have thrombophilia or if you are a woman taking birth control pills that contain oestrogen or are on hormone replacement therapy – then you could be at risk of getting DVT at some point in your life.

DVT can be a danger as it is hard to identify, but there are some signs that should set off alarm bells. Large clots in the vein often show symptoms such as swelling, pain and tenderness to the point of having difficulty standing, a change in the skin’s colour, such as redness, as well as the skin being warm to the touch. If you think you may have a DVT, it’s important to see your doctor soon so they can examine you and send you for tests if they agree with your suspicions.



There are several tests that can identify DVT. A D-Dimer is a blood test that measures a substance which appears when a blood clot is breaking down. A negative result means you are not likely to have a DVT. A venogram involves a special dye being injected into the vein, which then shows up clearly on x-ray, allowing doctors to see the vein and any clots. Doppler sounds use sound waves to check the flow of your blood as it moves through your blood vessels. This test is good for checking above the knee, where venograms are better for below the knee.



DVT is treated with anticoagulant medicines as well as compression stockings, which help you stop forming clots and provide support. DVT can be treated quite easily, but the best cure is prevention.



The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like Bupa. The contents of this article are of a general nature only and do not constitute specific advice. This article does not take into account your circumstances or needs and must not be relied upon in place of appropriate professional advice.