Deep vein thrombosis is a condition when a clot forms inside the deep vein that can block the blood flow partially or completely to the organ. It needs to be treated soon, otherwise, it can lead to life-threatening complications.
The risk of deep vein thrombosis increases even more if you have a certain medical condition, or you are on bed rest after surgery or an accident. Some tips that can help lower the risk of deep vein thrombosis are:
- Make a habit of daily workouts.
- If you smoke, quit as soon as possible.
- Check your blood pressure frequently and keep it within the normal limits. If your blood pressure remains higher than normal, you should visit the healthcare provider soon as it can lead to life-threatening complications.
If you have any symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, you should visit the healthcare provider. For an expert opinion, you can consult with the Best Internal Medicine specialist in Karachi.
What Are The Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis usually does not show any symptoms. However, it can present as:
- Swelling in the affected leg
- Sometimes pain in the leg
- Redness in the affected leg
- Warm feeling in the affected leg
What Are The Risk Factors for Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Factors that can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis are:
Older age
The more you age, the risk of deep vein thrombosis increases for you. People above the age of 60 are at increased risk of getting DVT compared to young people.
Sitting For a Long Time
You may have to sit for a long time when you travel long distances by car or take long flights, which can, in turn, increase the risk of thrombosis. When you stay in the same position for a long time, your calf muscles do not contract which affects blood circulation. Muscle contraction can ensure adequate blood circulation.
Prolonged Bed Rest
If you need to take bed rest after an accident, paralysis, or an operation, the risk for deep vein thrombosis increases. When you have to do bed rest, your healthcare providers may ask you to wear a compression stocking that can help prevent blood clot formation in your legs. They may also administer anticoagulants if you have certain health conditions.
Injury or Infection
Any injury or infection of the blood vessel can increase the chances of blood clotting.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy puts pressure on the veins of your legs and pelvis. If the woman has got any heart condition or any blood disorder, the risk for deep vein thrombosis increases even more. Therefore you should keep yourself moving during pregnancy.
Your healthcare providers may administer blood thinners to some women during pregnancy. Moreover, the risk for developing a thrombosis remains till six weeks of delivery.
Contraceptives
Taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can increase the risk of blood clotting. Hormone replacement therapy should be taken for the least possible time in the minimum possible dose.
Being Overweight or Obes
When you are overweight or obese, the pressure on your blood vessels of legs and pelvis increases, in turn, increasing the risk of blood clot formation.
Smoking
Smoking cigarettes can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis because it affects blood clotting and circulation.
Cancer
Certain cancers can increase the substance in your blood that forms clots. Moreover, some chemotherapeutic agents can also increase the chances of thrombosis.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is a condition when your heart can not pump enough blood to meet your body’s requirements. It can put you at risk of developing a thrombus.
The Bottom Line
Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition that needs to be treated as soon as possible. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism. To consult with an expert, you can visit Darul Sehat Hospital.