When blood clots are formed in the veins located deep inside the body, especially the legs and thighs, this condition is known as Deep Vein Thrombosis.
Associated Anatomy
Blood and blood vessels (veins)
Causes
Blood clots block the veins and prevent proper blood circulation in the body, resulting in deep vein thrombosis. The causes of blood clots can be:
-
Injury
Any damage or destruction to blood vessels can cause restriction in blood flow and result in blood clots.
-
Inactivity
Less physical activity, prolonged sitting or restricted movement can reduce blood flow in lower body parts such as the legs and lower limbs.
-
Health Conditions
Surgery, medication, trauma, inflammation or underlying conditions can cause blood clots.
-
Other
Varicose veins, inherited conditions of blood clots, cancer, obesity, and side effects from medicines can also cause deep vein thrombosis.
Deep vein thrombosis Signs and Symptoms
It is not always necessary that deep vein thrombosis occurs with some signs or symptoms. However, common symptoms associated with deep vein thrombosis are:
-
Swelling and inflammation in legs
-
Difficulty in moving legs or arms
-
Fever or feeling of warmness in the affected leg
-
Redness and discolouration of skin in the affected area
-
Unreasonable pain, cramps and soreness in calf muscles
-
Pain in the neck, arm or shoulder can occur if blood clots occur in the upper limbs
-
Weakness in the arms or legs
Possible Treatment
-
The most common course of treatment for deep vein thrombosis is to de-coagulate the blood clots using blood thinners and anticoagulants like heparin and warfarin.
-
Treatment is done to prevent blood clots from getting bigger and affecting other blood vessels and travelling to distant body parts like lungs, leading to deadly conditions like pulmonary embolism.
-
Intravenous drugs like thrombolytic drugs are given to patients with conditions of deep vein thrombosis. These drugs break blood clots and decrease their size.
-
For patients with a risk of developing clots in their legs, doctors may suggest they wear compression stockings, which prevent blood clots from forming and control swelling.
-
Filters can be used for shorter durations in patients that cannot take blood thinners. Filters placed inside the vena cava (large abdominal vein) prevent blood clots from travelling to the lungs and causing pulmonary embolism.
-
Surgery is the ultimate option to remove large blood clots if they are causing tissue damage, infection or other complications in the body.
Risk Factor
Some lifestyle and health conditions can increase the risk of developing deep vein blood clots. Some risk factors are mentioned below:
-
People aged 40 years or older are at a higher risk of developing blood clots.
-
People suffering from bone or tissue injuries have high chances of developing thrombosis.
-
People with a medical history of blood clots or thrombosis genetics are more likely to develop blood clots.
-
Diseases like cancer, heart failure, and a catheter placed in veins restrict the blood flow and result in blood clots.
-
Heavy smoking and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the disease.
-
Birth control pills and hormonal therapy can increase the chances of blood clots.
Typical Test
Doctors can diagnose deep vein thrombosis from certain blood tests, coagulation profiles and ultrasonography. For example, elevated values from the D-dimer test indicate a condition of blood vessels. Ultrasound images can help confirm the changes in the proximal veins of the leg. A venogram helps get a clearer image of an injured vein and the clots in the vein.
Primary Prevention
-
Lifestyle Changes
Avoid sitting for long durations. Keep moving and be active to keep the muscles working and maintain blood flow.
-
Smoking
Avoid smoking as it alters blood flow in the body.
-
Exercise
Exercising regularly and keeping the weight in check reduces the chances of blood clots and thrombosis.
-
Reducing Blood Pressure
Keeping blood pressure normal reduces the chances of blood clots.
Secondary Prevention
-
Take blood thinners and other medications as prescribed by a doctor on time.
-
Move around frequently and do not sit for more than 4 hours at a stretch.
-
Walking and stretching help the blood flow normally in the body.
-
Keeping your limbs, especially legs, at an elevated position on a stool or chair can maintain the blood flow in the legs.
Alternate name
Venous Thromboembolism
Epidemiology
-
The chances of developing deep vein thrombosis increase with age, especially after 50 years.
-
Men are more prone to this condition in old age than women.
-
Cases of pulmonary embolism increase as patients approach the age of 80 years. The condition is often underestimated and undiagnosed, which leads to deaths.
Expected Prognosis
If the treatment for deep vein thrombosis is provided timely, the disease rarely proves to be fatal. Patients suffering from thrombosis in lower extremities for quite some time can have a chance of around 3% of developing pulmonary embolism if the clot diffuses and reaches the lungs. The survival rate for patients in the short term is 95-97%, and even in the long term, it is likely to be 75% for pulmonary embolism patients.
Natural Progression
Regular blood tests and ultrasounds are necessary to ensure the right treatment and dosage of medication. Blood clots can increase in size and number with time. If the condition is left untreated, it can be life-threatening.
Pathophysiology
If there is any damage to the walls of blood vessels, injury or changes in blood circulation, there are chances of coagulation of blood. Most of these clots resolve on their own, and only one out of six results in deep vein thrombosis.
Possible Complication
Pulmonary embolism is one of the major complications arising from deep vein thrombosis. If blood clots reach the lungs, they can cause serious health complications and block a blood vessel, leading to death. Rapid heart rate, dizziness, sweating, blood in cough and severe chest pain are the common signs of this complication.
Moreover, some side effects can also arise from the blood thinners used in the treatment. So, it is necessary to have regular health check-ups.
Our BLK-Max Medical Experts
If you are facing any similar signs or symptoms please contact the BLK-Max team to schedule an appointment at : +91-11-30403040
Give Feedback
.jpg?v=1)
JCI Accredited
