Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. Most deep vein blood clots occur in the lower leg or thigh. They also can occur in other parts of the body.
Complications from DVT contribute to 200,000 deaths each year in the US –more than AIDS and breast cancer combined.
A blood clot in a deep vein can break off, travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, and block blood flow. This condition is called pulmonary embolism (PE) - a very serious condition that can cause death.
Blood clots can form in your body's deep veins when:
Damage occurs to a vein's inner lining
Blood flow is sluggish or slow
Your blood is thicker or more likely to clot than usual
Many factors increase your risk for DVT:
Recent surgery
Birth Control
Long periods of inactivity
Obesity
Only about half the people with DVT have symptoms. They include swelling of the leg or along a vein in the leg, pain or tenderness, increased warmth in the area of the leg that's swollen or in pain, and discoloration.
DVT’s are diagnosed based on your medical history, a physical exam, and the results from tests. We will identify your risk factors and rule out other causes for your symptoms.
The treatment centers on medications that thin the blood, thus allow the body to dissolve the clots. Other treatments include filters to catch blood clots and compression stockings that prevent blood from pooling and clotting. Centers of excellence have newer technology that may remove the clot to provide relief from future difficulties related to leg swelling and skin discoloration.
You can take steps to prevent DVT. See your doctor regularly. Follow your treatment plan as your doctor prescribes, stay active if possible, and exercise your lower leg muscles during long trips.
Contact your doctor or vascular specialist at once if you have any symptoms of DVT or PE.
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The newly-published 2008 clinical guidelines for physicians from the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) on how to treat DVT and other forms of venous thromboembolic disease are available as a complimentary download at http://www.thenewguidelines.org
Thanks Dennis. You are correct. Newer techniques that remove the blood clot have been shown to be safe and preferable to avoid later complications of leg swelling and skin changes (post-phlebitic syndrome).
You can view a case of DVT removal at the following link:
http://www.bacchusvascular.com/casestudies/Frusha_ML2188-b/index.html.
This patient had an underlying venous narrowing that caused her DVT. Her leg swelling was relieved instantly and she continues to do well.
A good article on DVT!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080915/ap_on_he_me/med_blood_clots
Pain may occur in part or all of the leg, including the hip, thigh, knee, calf, and foot. When pain is felt within the joint area itself (where two bones join) and is accompanied by swelling, heat, or stiffness, there may be an underlying condition, such as arthritis, or a musculoskeletal dysfunction of the joint.
Adrenopath UltraClear PLUS
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