A deep vein thrombosis, also known as a DVT, is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the muscles. Some of these clots are small and can be broken down naturally by the body over time. Other deep vein thromboses can dislodge and travel towards the heart, possibly causing death.
While the likelihood of treating a deep vein thrombosis is excellent, how does a person know if they have developed a DVT? Being able to detect the symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis and act on them can literally be a life saver.
Are You at Risk?
A person may be at an increased risk for developing a deep vein thrombosis after very normal events, such as a plane ride or routine surgery. Others may have an increased risk because they are bedridden, taking certain medications, or have a medical condition that increases the chance of the blood to clot. The following can all increase a person’s risk for developing a deep vein thrombosis:
– Inactivity: The slowing of blood circulation caused by sitting for long periods, especially with legs crossed, or being bedridden while recovering from an injury or surgery, can all lead to blood clots in the deep veins;
– Injury or Surgery: Risk for a DVT increases when an injury or a surgery cause blood flow to the affected area to be decreased, such as a broken leg with a cast;
– A medical condition that increases the possibility of the blood to clot;
– Medication: Some medication, such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can increase the possibility of the blood to clot;
– Pregnancy;
– Obesity;
– Vericose veins;
If a person feels they have an increased risk for developing a deep vein thrombosis, detecting the symptoms of the condition is the next step.
Detecting Early Symptoms:
While many people never experience any symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis, there are several symptoms that can be reliable indicators of a DVT that has not yet dislodged from the vein. A deep vein thrombosis can occur in any area of the body, but the most common area affected by a DVT is the leg, including the thigh, calf, and ankles. Paying attention to these areas, especially if a person is at an increased risk for developing a deep vein thrombosis, is crucial in detecting the symptoms sometimes associated with a DVT.
The most detectable symptoms occur when the deep vein thrombosis blocks a vein, making blood unable to flow around it, causing the blood to leak into the muscles. These symptoms are:
– Swelling, especially in one leg;
– Tenderness, especially in one leg;
– Increased Warmth, especially on one leg;
– Discoloration or redness, at the affected area
Although these symptoms can occur in many medical conditions, detecting a DTV at its early stage can bring about medical treatment that can prevent the blood clot from dislodging and becoming hazardous.
Symptoms to Act On:
Although the early symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis in the vein can be vague if they in fact appear at all, a DVT that has dislodged may be easier to recognize. A deep vein thrombosis that has broken off and is moving in the blood stream can pose a serious threat by traveling to the heart and being circulated into the lungs. Called pulmonary embolism, this condition causes the blood clot to block major veins in the lungs and cause death. A life-threatening deep vein thrombosis may cause a person to experience the following symptoms:
– Rapid heart rate;
– Sharp chest pain that becomes worse with deep breathing;
– Heart palpitations;
– Shortness of breath;
– Coughing up blood;
– Passing out
Because it is possible death caused by a deep vein thrombosis can occur within hours of experiencing the above symptoms, it is crucial that the person experiencing them receives medical attention immediately.