Deep vein thrombosis refers to the formation of a thrombus or blood clot within a deep vein, commonly in the thigh or calf. Clotting is the normal way the body stops bleeding and begins the process of healing following an injury. The blood clot can either partially or completely block the flow of blood in the vein. The word thrombosis means forming a blood clot. The blood clot itself is called a thrombus.
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when the flow of blood is restricted in a vein, and a clot forms. It can be caused by poor circulation because of problems such as heart disease, a recent heart attack or stroke, varicose veins or from inactivity or prolonged bed rest. Deep vein thrombosis can be caused by a narrowed or blocked vein in which blood gathers and clots. This can be brought on by an injury to the vein, following surgery or radiation therapy. Also, deep vein thrombosis can occur during pregnancy as there is an increased tendency for the blood to form clots. Deep vein thrombosis can also occur as the result of severe infection, liver disease and some forms of cancer. In addition, there also exists what is known as economy class syndrome, which is the development of a deep vein thrombosis during long haul airline flights.
Deep vein thrombosis is more commonly seen in adults over 60 years of age and obese individuals, but healthy young people can also develop the disease. Some medications, such as the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy, can increase the risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis.
Some of the more common symptoms and complications of deep vein thrombosis include pain, tenderness, redness and swelling at the site where the thrombus is located. The most common and serious complication of deep vein thrombosis is what is known as pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism is a dangerous condition because it occurs when a thrombus breaks free from a vein wall and travels to the lung and blocks a vessel. A pulmonary embolism can be life threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
If your doctor suspects that you have developed a deep vein thrombosis, he will perform a complete physical examination and take your medical history. A deep vein thrombosis can be easily diagnosed by a doppler ultrasound scan of the leg, x-rays of your veins after a contrast dye is injected into a foot vein (venography), plethysmography of the leg and possibly a D-dimer blood test.
If you are diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis, hospitalization and bed rest are usually necessary at the beginning. Treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms. This can be achieved by applying warm compresses to the affected area to relieve the pain, but the most important component of treatment is to prevent the thrombus from traveling to your lungs. You may be prescribed medications known as anticoagulants or anti-platelet agents. These types of drugs help to prevent more blood clots from forming. Some examples of medications that can be used to treat a deep vein thrombosis are warfarin, low molecular weight heparin, conventional heparin and low dose aspirin.
In conclusion, if a deep vein thrombosis is recognized early and treated properly, it will usually resolve itself without complication. If left untreated, it can cause severe complications which may be fatal.
For additional information or comments, please contact:
LEO Pharma, Inc. in Florida (if you are unable to open the link below please copy it into your e-mail program)
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