Deep Vein Thrombosis

Also called: DVT

Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. Most deep vein clots occur in the lower leg or thigh. If the vein swells, the condition is called thrombophlebitis. A deep vein thrombosis can break loose and cause a serious problem in the lung, called a pulmonary embolism.

Sitting still for a long time can make you more likely to get a DVT. Some medicines and disorders that increase your risk for blood clots can also lead to DVTs. Common symptoms are

  • Warmth and tenderness over the vein
  • Pain or swelling in the part of the body affected
  • Skin redness

Treatment includes medicines to ease pain and inflammation, break up clots and keep new clots from forming. Keeping the affected area raised and applying moist heat can also help. If you are taking a long car or plane trip, take a break, walk or stretch your legs and drink plenty of liquids.

Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis

The following features are indicative of Deep Vein Thrombosis:
  • swelling in the affected leg
  • pain in the leg
  • feeling of warmth in the affected leg
  • discolored skin on the leg
It is possible that Deep Vein Thrombosis shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis

The following are the most common causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis:
  • blood clot formation in the deep veins

Risk Factors for Deep Vein Thrombosis

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Deep Vein Thrombosis:
  • family history
  • prolonged bed rest
  • injury to the veins or surgery
  • pregnancy
  • birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
  • being overweight or obese
  • smoking
  • heart failure
  • inflammatory bowel disease

Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • avoid sitting still
  • avoid smoking
  • do regular exercise
  • by losing weight

Occurrence of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Deep Vein Thrombosis cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Not common between 50K - 500K cases

Common Age Group

Deep Vein Thrombosis can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Deep Vein Thrombosis can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Deep Vein Thrombosis:
  • Ultrasound: To check the presence of clots
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans: To check for the presence of clots

Doctor for Diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis:
  • Haematologist

Complications of Deep Vein Thrombosis if untreated

Yes, Deep Vein Thrombosis causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Deep Vein Thrombosis is left untreated:
  • pulmonary embolism
  • postphlebitic syndrome

Procedures for Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis

The following procedures are used to treat Deep Vein Thrombosis:
  • Clot removal: To remove clot through surgery

Self-care for Deep Vein Thrombosis

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Deep Vein Thrombosis:
  • Drink plenty of fluids: Prevents dehydration and decreases the development of blood clots
  • Take a break from sitting: Take a moment to walk while driving or sitting to avoid formation of clots
  • Wear support stockings: Promote circulation and fluid movement in the legs

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Deep Vein Thrombosis:
  • Do regular exercise: Decreases the risk of blood clots

Patient Support for Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis

The following actions may help Deep Vein Thrombosis patients:
  • Join support research groups: Provides medical knowledge and care about the various blood disorders

Time for Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Deep Vein Thrombosis to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • In 3 - 6 months

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Deep Vein Thrombosis.
Blood Clots
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Venous Thromboembolism
Vascular Diseases

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