Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)
What is Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)?
Venous thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a vein. This clot can limit blood flow through the vein, causing swelling and pain. Most commonly, venous thrombosis occurs in the “deep veins” in the legs, thighs, or pelvis.
What are the risk factors?
1. Recent surgery (especially hip, pelvis, or knee surgery)
2. Leg injury
3. Immobility (e.g., due to hospitalization, recovery from injury,
bedrest, or paralysis)
4. Family history of DVT or Pulmonary Embolism
5. Smoking
6. Extended frequent travel
7. Some medical conditions and medications increase your risk of
developing a blood clot:
- Cancer
- Heart failure
- Kidney problems, such as nephrotic syndrome
- Previous DVT or PE
- Age ≥65 years
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Inherited thrombophilia (genetic problem that causes the blood to form clots more easily than normal).
- Certain medications (eg, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, tamoxifen, thalidomide, erythropoietin, cancer chemotherapy medications).
What are the symptoms?
1. Swelling
2. Pain
3. Warmth and tenderness to touch
4. Redness in the involved leg
5. Superficial phlebitis
What are the diagnostic tests?
1. D-dimer
2. Compression ultrasonography of the leg veins
What is the treatment?
1. Anticoagulation — Anticoagulants are medications that are commonly called “blood thinners.” They do not actually dissolve the
clot but rather help to prevent new blood clots from forming. For Example:
a. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs)
b. Warfarin
c. Low-molecular-weight (LMW) heparin, which is given as an injection under the skin.
d. Fondaparinux, also given by injection.
e. Unfractionated heparin, which is given into a vein (intravenously) or as an injection under the skin. Duration of treatment — Anticoagulation is recommended for a minimum of three months in a patient with DVT.
How to prevent DVT?
1. Walking as soon as possible after surgery.
2. Adequate hydration.
3. Taking blood thinners on time when prescribed.
4. Proper follow up appointments with physician.
How to reduce risk of bleeding?
1. Use a soft bristle toothbrush.
2. Use a humidifier to help reduce nosebleeds (if you live in a cold or dry climate).
3. Use caution when handling sharp objects (eg, knives).
4. Avoid activities that could result in injury (eg, contact sports).
5. Use appropriate safety equipment (eg, helmets, padding) during physical activity.
6. Avoid aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS); unless your health care provider tells you to take
them.
7. Wear an alert tag.
