What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
A DVT doesn’t just affect the limb where it occurs. There are complications of DVT that can have other serious effects on your health because it involves your cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular means “having to do with the heart and blood vessels.”
DVT is a blood clot that forms in a vein 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. A blood clot in a deep vein can break off and travel through the bloodstream. The loose clot is called an embolus (EM-bo-lus). It can travel to an artery in the lungs and block blood flow. This condition is called pulmonary embolism (PULL-mun-ary Em-bo-lizm), or PE. PE is a very serious condition. It can damage the lungs and other organs in the body and cause death.
Warning Signs Of DVT & Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
- Pain or tenderness in an extremity of groin
- Sudden swelling of the leg
- Noticeably warm skin
- Change in the color of the leg
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain while breathing
- Rapid pulse
- Coughing with blood
- Unexplained anxiety
- Sweating
Blood clots cause more risk of PE in thighs.
Blood clots can also form in veins closer to the skin’s surface. However, these clots won’t break off and cause PEs. Many factors determine your risk five to 10 days after surgery. With today’s shorter hospital stays, PEs most likely occur when you’re recovering at home and away from the watchful eye of your health care providers. Therefore, it’s vital that lifesaving DVT prevention doesn’t end at the time of discharge – but continues at the home throughout your most vulnerable days. Your physician can prescribe DVT prevention that you can use at home, including both mechanical and pharmacological prophylaxis.
DVT Prevention: Healthy Lifestyle & Regular Checkups
To lower your risk and help prevent DVT, take these steps:
- Maintain an active lifestyle and exercise regularly - daily, if possible. (Walking, swimming and bicycling are all great activities.)
- Manage weight with exercise as well as by eating a healthy diet.
- IF you smoke, quit! Nicotine therapy (in patches, gums, or sprays) and support groups can make this much easier to do.
- Get your blood pressure checked regularly; take steps to lower it, if necessary.
- Report any family or personal history of blood clotting problems to your doctor.
- Discuss alternatives to birth control pills or hormone-replacement therapy with your doctor.
