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Deep Vein Thrombosis (Dvt)
Overview
Thrombosis is a tern used for blood clot formation in the blood vessel. In diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis, blood clot forms in larger and deeper veins in the muscle. DVT usually occurs in lower limbs which is often unnoticed and resolves on its own. Although, symptoms like pain and swelling still persist. Deep vein thrombosis needs urgent treatement in order to avoid serious complication such as pulmonary embolism (PE). Pulmonary Embolism can occur if blood clot breaks away from its original site and is carried to the lungs in the blood stream. After a major operation such as knee replacemnet and hip replacement risk of developing deep vein thrombosis increases. People who had surgery are given medication to prevent blood clot formation.
It is also referred as economy class syndrome (i.e formation of blood clot or thrombus) in deep vein. Pulmonary embolism is caused by increase in the risk if thrombus emboizes to the lung. Sometimes veins in the arms are also affected. Upper extremity DVT are noyt very common but can also lead to Pulmonary Embolism (PE) in presence of venous catheter. Swelling of the vein is called blood clot. A group of words includes Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) also called venous thromboembolism (VTE). One of the most common cause of death in hospital is DVT which is a public health problem. After coronary artery and stroke, DVT is the third most common cause of death. If adequate prophylaxis and therapy is not provided, it can be fatal for patients.
Consulting Doctor
Consulting physicial of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is deep vein specialist or DVT specialist.
Symptoms
Edema in legs
-Pain and soreness leg swelling in calf.
-Changing of skin color to red or purple depending on skin color.
-A warmt feeling on the leg affected by DVT.
Some of the warning signs and symptoms of PE include:
- Feeling out of breath suddenly
- Discomfort and pain in chest that worsens while taking a deep breath and cough.
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Increase in pulse.
- Increase in breathing.
- Spitting up blood
Causes
The main cause of DVT is formation of blood clot. Clot breaks down and circulates in the body. There are several factors that lead to increase in the risk of developing DVT. They include:
Injury: Damage occur in the blood vessel which will narrow or block the blood flow. As a result of that a blood clot may be formed.
Surgery: Blood vessels may be damaged during surgery which might lead to development of blood clot formation. Bed rest may also lead to development of blood clot.
Reducing mobility or inactivity: If someone sits frequently like in long flight, blood clot would collect in lower extremity. If someone is immobile for an extended period blood flow in lower extremity will slow down.
Medications: Blood control pills, hormone therapy, glucocorticoids and antidepressants would increase your chance of blood clot formation.
Age: DVT can happen at any age but its incidence would rise in older age. Only 1 in 10,000 people get DVT but among people who are older than 80, it is most common.
Trauma: Trauma can damage your brain and like bone fracture can cause blood clot.
Obesity: Being overweight can put pressure in legs and lower limb veins.
Pregnancy: DVT is a riks factor in pregnancy and infact pregnant women are more likely to develop DVT.
Family history: Having catheter can increase likelihood of forming blood clot.
Catheter: Catheter in brain can increase blood clot formation.
Smoking: It is associated with higher risk of DVT.
Herediatary blood clot disorder: Clotting disorder can make one more susceptible to DVT.
Cancer: Cancers like pancreatic, ling, brain can increase risk of DVT.
Several risk factors can increase risk of DVT:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
HIgh Blood pressure and heart failure
Sepsis
TB, covid-19, viral or bacterial illness
Asthma
Sleep apnea
PCOS- polycystic ovary syndrome
Diabetes
Prevention
It is very important to prevent DVT because it can lead to serious complications. If surgery is performed among patients, anticoagulants are prescribed. Therefore, patient with serious clots should follow physician’s advise. Preventing DVT involves sitting for a longer period of time that should involve flexing or bending knees.
Other preventive measure are as follows:
-One should move around after surgery as soon as possible to prevent clots by stimulating blood circulation.
-A compression device that looks like special fitted sleeves should be placed on legs to keep blood circulation going.
-Elastic stocking to reduce swelling and promote circulation is also possible.
One should always consult a physician for diagnosis and treatement.
Treatment
- Clot thinners.
- Clot busters (thrombolytic).
- Filters.
- Support stockings/compression stockings.
Tests Required for Diagnosis
- D-dimer blood test: It is a type of protein used for blood clot. All people with severe DVT would increase blood D-dimer level. This test would help to rule out Pulmonary Embolism. (PE).
- Duplex ultrasoud: It is a non invasive techniques to to create sound waves through veins. It is also a standard test to diagnose DVT. Health care provider would move hand over the skin over body area. Ultrasound may be done to check for blood clots.
- Venography: This test uses xrays and dye to make vein picture of feet and hands. This shows up blood vessels more clearly on chest xrays. This test is rarely done since it is invasive but ultrasound is done first.
- MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging): It is done to diagnose DVT in the abdomen.
References
- National Library of Medicine (2023, January 1). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Overview. NCBI. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425364/
- Avis Vascular Centre (2023, January 1). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Causes. Avis Vascular Centre. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425364/
- Mayo Clinic (2023, January 1). Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 4, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352557
4, Health line (2022, December 12). Everything You Want to Know About Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/deep-venous-thrombosis
5. Health line (2022, December 12). Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis. Standford Healthcare. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/blood-heart-circulation/deep-vein-thrombosis/treatments/prevention.html
6. Mayo Clinic (2022, November 6). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Standford Healthcare. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352563#:~:text=Tests%20used%20to%20diagnose%20or%20rule%20out%20DVT,...%204%20Magnetic%20resonance%20imaging%20%28MRI%29%20scan.%20
