How do you treat deep vein thrombosis of the left leg?
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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that occurs in a deep vein; that is, a vein that is not on the surface of the skin. DVT can occur anywhere, but is most often seen in the leg. Show
If you think you might have DVT, see a doctor. The most serious complication of DVT is pulmonary embolism, which is when a piece of the blood clot breaks off and lodges in the lung. This causes a serious illness and is potentially life-threatening. What are the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?The main signs and symptoms of DVT are pain and swelling in the affected area - usually your calf or thigh. Some people have no signs or symptoms. When to seek help?DVT is a serious condition, so if you think you may have DVT, you should see a doctor without delay. Call an ambulance on triple zero (000) if you:
What causes DVT?Anything that slows blood flow in deep veins can cause DVT. People who have DVT may have: Women who are pregnant or who have recently had a baby are also at increased risk of DVT. So are people who are overweight, or who smoke. DVT can also happen spontaneously, with no apparent cause. Some people with spontaneous DVTs have a genetic condition that makes their blood more likely to clot. How is a DVT diagnosed?To diagnose DVT, the doctor will need to talk to you about your symptoms and examine you to look for signs of DVT, such as swelling and pain. After this, if your doctor thinks you may have DVT, they may suggest you have an ultrasound. A blood test called a D-dimer test can also be done to help detect blood clots. If the doctor thinks there is a risk that part of the blood clot has travelled to your lungs, they may order a chest CT scan. How is DVT treated?If you have DVT, you will be treated with medicine that reduces blood clotting (called anticoagulant medication). This can be given either as tablets or via injections and you will probably need to take it for several months. In very severe cases, a medicine is used to break down the clot. The person normally needs to stay in hospital when this is given as it can cause bleeding. You may also be asked to wear compression stockings to bring down the swelling. Bits of the blood clot can break off and travel around the body, affecting the heart or lungs. After having a DVT, the leg can remain swollen and ulcers may develop. How is DVT prevented?If you are travelling or are hospitalised, you can reduce your risk of developing DVT by wearing compression stockings, moving your feet and legs as much as possible, and drinking plenty of water. If you have already had a DVT, it is very important to quit smoking, keep fit and maintain a healthy weight. Some people may need to stay on low-dose anticoagulant medication long-term or use it prior to long haul flights. If blood moves too slowly through your veins, it can cause a clump of blood cells called a clot. When a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside your body, it causes what doctors call deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is most likely to happen in your lower leg, thigh, or pelvis. But it can occur in other parts of your body, too. DVT can lead to major health problems. In some cases, it can be fatal. That’s why if you think you have one, you must see a doctor right away. What Are the Signs?Not everyone with DVT shows symptoms. But you might notice any of the following:
If a blood clot breaks free and moves through your bloodstream, it can get stuck in a blood vessel of your lung. Doctors call this a pulmonary embolism, or PE. It can be fatal. Some people don’t know they have DVT until this happens. Signs of PE include:
DVT Causes and Risk FactorsMany things can raise your chances of getting DVT. Here are some of the most common:
In some cases, neither the cause nor the symptoms of DVT are very clear, so tell your doctor about any changes you notice if you are at higher risk for DVT. Your doctor will want to stop the blood clot from getting bigger or breaking off and heading toward your lungs. They’ll also want to cut your chances of getting another DVT. This can be done in one of three ways: Simple lifestyle changes may help lower your odds of getting one. Try these simple tips to keep your blood circulating the way it should: Up to half of people with DVT will have long-term complications because of damage to the leg vein (post-thrombotic syndrome) where blood remains too long (chronic venous insufficiency). You may notice pain, swelling, and redness, which can lead to open sores if you don’t get early treatment. In time, this can make it harder to do daily activities and even walk. The biggest worry for a blood clot is a DVT that breaks off and causes a pulmonary embolism (see above). If the clot isn’t too big and you get the right treatment fast enough, you may recover from this, though there may be some long-term lung damage. About a third of people who have had a DVT or PE have a higher risk of another incident. SOURCES: Cleveland Clinic: “Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).” Mayo Clinic: “Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).” National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: “Explore Deep Vein Thrombosis.” Clot Connect/UNC Blood Clot Outreach Program: “Symptoms, Risk Factors and Prevention.” University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC HealthBeat): “Could You Be at Risk of Developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?” American Heart Association: “Understand Your Risk for Excessive Blood Clotting.” National Health Service (U.K.): “Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT),” “Pregnancy and Baby: Deep Vein Thrombosis.” University of Michigan Health System: “Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filters.” Anderson, F., Audet, A. Best Practices: Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: A Practical Guide to Evaluation and Improvement, Center for Outcomes Research: University of Massachusetts Medical School. |
