Deep vein thrombosis – symptoms, causes, treatment

Deep vein thrombosis is a very serious disease. In its course, a clot forms in the vein, most often of the lower limb. If it is large, it can travel through the bloodstream to the heart and completely block the circulation, resulting in sudden death. Smaller clots are also dangerous as they can enter the pulmonary circulation, causing embolism in the vessels there.

Deep vein thrombosis most often arises when at least two symptoms of the so-called “Virchow triad” develop. These include: – changes in blood composition, increasing its clotting, – prolonged pressure on the vessel, – vessel trauma.

One of the most characteristic symptoms of venous thrombosis in the lower limb is swelling around the ankles. It should be especially noted by pregnant women, in whom the likelihood of thrombosis is high, but swelling seems to be a natural side effect of pregnancy.

Another common symptom of thrombosis is redness of various kinds on the limbs. They may be slightly visible or even bruise. Tenderness is also common. If you notice a similar symptom on your body and do not associate it with any of the strokes, this is cause for concern.

With deep vein thrombosis, you may also feel an increased warmth in the area where the embolus is located. In extreme cases, there is even a fever.

Thrombosis is serious mainly because of complications that can happen very quickly once the clot begins to travel through the blood vessels. One form of complication is pulmonary embolism, which is characterized by shortness of breath and chest pain. Failure to dissolve the clots can result in death. Worse still, a clot locates in the heart completely blocking the circulation.

Unfortunately, the use of hormonal contraceptives increases the risk of venous thrombosis. Even if we take pills containing both estrogen and progesterone. In older women, hormonal contraception can even lead to arterial thrombosis. The risk increases when we are obese and smoke cigarettes. Most often, thrombosis occurs in the first year of using contraception.

There are a few basic tests to check for a blood clot in a vein. One of them is ultrasound. In addition, the doctor may order phlebography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Treatment is usually based on the administration of anticoagulants that dissolve the plug. It can be heparin or various types of enzymes.

It is, of course, best to ensure that thrombosis does not develop at all. Prophylaxis is primarily based on increasing physical activity, because it improves venous circulation.

If you are struggling with obesity and your doctor has stated that you are at an increased risk of blood clots, be sure to go on a diet. Excessive kilograms additionally increase the likelihood of developing the disease.