What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in one of the legs. This condition can develop as a result of certain medical conditions that affect blood clotting or if a person is immobile for an extended period of time due to surgery, an accident or illness. 

Deep vein thrombosis can lead to a condition called pulmonary embolism, if a clot breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the lung. A pulmonary embolism is one of the most severe DVT complications. It can cause permanent damage to the affected lung, low oxygen levels in the blood, organ damage due to low oxygen and even death – especially if the clots are large or numerous – without rapid treatment. 

Baptist Health is known for advanced, superior care for patients with heart disease and the diagnosis, management and treatment of deep vein thrombosis. You will appreciate timely appointments and a professional, friendly atmosphere where we take time to listen to your concerns.

At Baptist Health, you have access to the region’s most comprehensive, multidisciplinary team of specialists and innovative therapies, including many available only through specialized clinical trials. In every way, we work to demonstrate the utmost in excellent care to those who trust us with their health.

Where Does Deep Vein Thrombosis Occur?

Deep vein thrombosis typically occurs in one of the legs.

Signs and Symptoms

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may cause no symptoms. When symptoms appear, they include: 

• Pain (typically in the calf; may feel like cramping or soreness)
• Redness of the skin on the lower leg
• Swelling
• Tenderness to the touch
• Warmth to the touch

Diagnosis

To diagnose deep vein thrombosis, we ask questions about your medical history and do a physical exam. We then use advanced diagnostic procedures and technology to effectively diagnose, inform treatment and carefully monitor the condition. Common diagnostic procedures can include:

Diagnosis of a pulmonary embolism usually requires one or more of the following tests:

Blood test: Blood tests can check for the clot-dissolving substance D dimer. High levels may indicate an increased likelihood of blood clots. Blood tests also can measure the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood and can help identify blood clotting disorders.

Computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): These scans use a series of X-rays (CT) or radio waves and a powerful magnetic field (MRI) to produce detailed images of internal structures, including the veins.

Ultrasound: Duplex ultrasonography uses soundwaves to check for blood clots in the thigh veins. The physician uses a wand-shaped device called a transducer to direct the sound waves to the veins, and the waves are reflected to the transducer and translated into a moving image by a computer.

Venography: A dye is injected into a large vein in the foot or ankle and X-rays create images of the veins in the legs and feet, to look for clots.

Causes

Certain behaviors and lifestyle factors can increase your chance of developing a blood clot in the leg, including: 

• Being overweight, especially if you smoke and/or have high blood pressure
• Smoking, especially combined with other risk factors

Supplementing estrogen (birth control pills, hormone replacement), especially if you smoke or are overweight

Risk Factors

Risk factors that could contribute to DVT include: 

Cancer: Some cancers – like pancreatic, ovarian and lung cancer – can increase levels of substances that help blood clots form. Chemotherapy can compound that risk. Women taking tamoxifen or raloxifene for breast cancer are also at a higher risk of clots. 

Heart disease: Cardiovascular disease, particularly heart failure, makes blood clots more likely.

Pregnancy: The baby pressing on veins in the pelvis can slow blood return from the legs, increasing a woman’s risk of clots. 

Prolonged immobility: Clots are more likely to form during long periods of inactivity, like being confined to bed after injury or surgery and/or long plane or car trips. 

Deep Vein Thrombosis Surgery: This is a major cause of clots, so medication to prevent clots may be given before and after major deep vein thrombosis surgery. 

Prevention

While all cases of DVT cannot be prevented, there are ways to reduce your risk, including: 

Get out of bed, and exercise your legs and feet while on bedrest or traveling: It’s very important to get moving as soon as possible after surgery, injury or illness. If you cannot get out of bed – or if you’re confined to a car, plane, train or bus while traveling – make sure to exercise your legs and feet. Point your toes up to stretch your calves, then relax. Repeat several times.

Practice good heart health: Watch what you eat, exercise (as advised by your physician) and avoid smoking. Smoking and being overweight are two major, preventable causes of DVT. 

Take anticoagulants before/after surgery: Before and after certain types of major surgery, your physician may prescribe blood thinners. Take them as directed. 

Use compression stockings: If you have a known clot risk, wearing these specially fitted stockings can help blood circulate effectively in your legs.

Prognosis

DVT often goes away on its own, but it can return. Some people may have long-term pain and swelling in the leg. If a pulmonary embolism occurs, the deep vein thrombosis prognosis is much more serious.

Treatment

Deep vein thrombosis treatment may include: 

Blood Thinning Medication

These medications prevent new clots from forming. They may be prescribed before or after surgery or for a diagnosed clotting disorder.

Clot-Dissolving Medication

These medications – also called clot-busting drugs – are administered through the vein and can dissolve clots quickly. Because they can cause sudden and severe bleeding, they are only used in life-threatening situations, like during a massive pulmonary embolism or stroke.

Clot Removal

A surgeon may remove a large or life-threatening clot via a thin, flexible catheter threaded through the blood vessels. 

Compression Stockings

These stockings, which apply pressure to your feet and lower legs, reduce the chance that blood will pool and clot.

Vein Filter

A surgeon can use a catheter to position a filter in the inferior vena cava, which leads from the legs to the right side of the heart. The filter can help keep clots from being carried from the legs to the lungs.

DVT Complications

Some deep vein thrombosis complications could include: