Deep Vein Thrombosis, also known as DVT, is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein located deep inside your body. A blood clot is a clump of blood that’s turned into a solid state, most deep vein clots occur in the lower leg or thigh. If the vein swells, the condition is called thrombophlebitis.
The blood clots of deep vein thrombosis can be caused by anything that prevents your blood from circulating or clotting normally, such as injury to a vein, surgery, certain medications, and limited movement.
Some risk factors include:
- Inheriting a blood-clotting disorder
- Prolonged bed rest, such as during a long hospital stay, or paralysis
- Injury or surgery
- Pregnancy, Birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy
- Being overweight or obese
- Sitting for long periods of time, such as when driving or flying
Symptoms can include pain, swelling, redness, and enlarged veins in the affected area, but some DVTs have no symptoms. The most life-threatening concern with DVT is the potential for a clot (or multiple clots) to detach, travel through the right side of the heart, and become stuck in arteries that supply blood to the lungs which can cause serious problems in the lung, called a pulmonary embolism (PE).
If you have been diagnosed with any of the above Deep Vein Thrombosis symptoms and would like a second opinion, please visit SecondOpinions.com for your peace of mind.
