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    Overview - Deep vein thrombosis

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    Also known as: thromboembolism, DVT, deep vein thrombophlebitis
    A condition in which the blood clots form in veins located deep inside the body, usually in the thigh or lower legs. This can cause pain and swelling in the area.
    Condition Highlight
    Urgent medical attention is usually recommended in severe cases by healthcare providers
    How common is condition?
    Common (More than 200,000 cases per year in US)
    Is condition treatable?
    Treatable by a medical professional
    Does diagnosis require lab test or imaging?
    Often requires lab test or imaging
    Time taken for recovery
    Can last several months or years
    Condition Highlight
    Common for ages 50 and older
    Condition Highlight
    Family history may increase likelihood
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    Causes

    Verified Expert

    • DVT is caused by the blood clot in the vein. Blood clot can occur due various reasons such as:
    • An injury that damages the veins
    • Surgeries, especially of the lower limbs
    • Inflammation due to infection
    • Sitting in the same position for long durations without any movements as in case of driving
    • Prolonged bed rest such as during hospital stay or paralysis
    • Risk factors include:
    • Overweight
    • Family history
    • Catheter placed in the vein
    • Hormone therapy or taking contraceptive pills
    • Heavy smoking
    • Pregnancy
    • Hereditary blood clotting disorders
    • Cancers
    • Inflammatory bowel disease
    • Heart failure

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    Symptoms

    Verified Expert
    Contact your provider if experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms.

    Many people may not experience the symptoms, especially if in the upper part of the body. The most common symptoms include:

    • Swelling of foot, ankle, or leg, usually on one side
    • Cramping of the affected leg that usually begins in the calf
    • Severe leg pain
    • Skin on the affected area is warmer than the skin on surrounding areas
    • Bluish, reddish, or pale colored skin over the affected area

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    What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
    I learned that Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. This can cause one calf to appear larger than the other due to swelling and inflammation. It’s a serious condition since the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
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    Treatment

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    Treatments aim at preventing enlargement of the clot and its travel to other organs.

    Medication

    Anticoagulants: Also known as blood thinners, are recommended to prevent the clots from rupturing, and decrease the chances of further clot formation.

    Heparin . Warfarin

    Thrombolytic drugs: Given intravenously to dissolve the existing clots.

    Reteplase . Anistreplase

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    Diagnosis

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    One or more of these tests may be recommended by your medical provider.
    Diagnosis involves physical examination and other tests to confirm the condition.

    Common tests & procedures

    D-dimer blood test: To measure a substance (D-dimer) in the blood that's released when a blood clot dissolves. High levels of the substance indicates deep vein blood clot.

    Ultrasound: To check for blood clots in the affected area using sound waves.

    Venogram: Taking X-rays of the legs and feet using a dye, to detect blood clots.

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): To check the size and location of the clots.

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    Source: Focus Medica. For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.
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