Venous thromboembolism VTE , a term referring to blood clots in the veins, is an underdiagnosed and serious, yet preventable medical condition that can cause disability and death. The American Society of Hematology external icon ASH recognizes the need for a comprehensive set of guidelines on the treatment of VTE to help the medical community better manage this serious condition. In partnership with the McMaster University GRADE Centre external icon , ASH brought together experts to address this challenge, including hematologists, other clinicians, guideline development specialists, and patient representatives.
Access the new guidelines external icon. The most serious complication of DVT happens when a part of the clot breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a blockage called pulmonary embolism PE. If the clot is small, and with appropriate treatment, people can recover from PE. However, there could be some damage to the lungs. If the clot is large, it can stop blood from reaching the lungs and is fatal.
In addition, one-third to one-half of people who have a DVT will have long-term complications caused by the damage the clot does to the valves in the vein called post-thrombotic syndrome PTS. People with PTS have symptoms such as swelling, pain, discoloration, and in severe cases, scaling or ulcers in the affected part of the body.
In some cases, the symptoms can be so severe that a person becomes disabled. Almost anyone can have a DVT. However, certain factors can increase the chance of having this condition. The chance increases even more for someone who has more than one of these factors at the same time. About half of people with DVT have no symptoms at all. The following are the most common symptoms of DVT that occur in the affected part of the body:. That is why it is important for you to seek medical care if you experience any of the symptoms of DVT or PE.
Use a stool or chair to keep your legs elevated and close to level with your hips. These specially designed stockings fit tightly around your feet and become gradually looser as they move up your leg to your knee. The compression helps prevent pooling and swelling , and it increases blood flow. DVT occurs most commonly in people who are over 50 years old. But DVT can still happen at any age. Certain conditions that alter how your blood moves through your veins can raise your risk of developing clots.
DVT is a major risk associated with surgery. Walking around after being on bed rest can prevent clots from forming. Lower your risk by moving around every so often. During long drives, get out of your car and stretch at regular intervals. This keeps your blood moving steadily in your calves. Complications of DVT are preventable.
Your doctor will use your medical history, a thorough physical exam, as well as one or more diagnostic tests to find or rule out DVT. These tests include:. This is the most commonly used test for diagnosing DVT. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of your arteries and veins to see how blood flows through them. If a clot is present, your doctor will be able to see the interrupted blood flow and make the diagnosis.
If the ultrasound is inconclusive, your doctor may order a venogram. During this test, a dye is injected into the vein in question. Then, an X-ray is taken over the area where your doctor suspects DVT is present. If levels of the substance are high and you have risk factors for DVT, you likely have a clot. A D-dimer blood test can also be an indicator of other factors such as a pulmonary embolism, stroke, pregnancy, or infection, so your doctor may need to use other tests to be sure of a diagnosis.
Other tests can be used to diagnose DVT if these are not successful. A major complication of DVT is a pulmonary embolism. You can develop a pulmonary embolism if a blood clot moves to your lungs and blocks a blood vessel. This can cause serious damage to your lungs and other parts of your body. Get immediate medical help if you have signs of a pulmonary embolism. These signs include:. Pregnancy increases the risk of DVT. While pregnant, the level of blood-clotting proteins increases, and the level of anticlotting proteins falls.
Plus, increased hormone levels, and a slower blood flow as your uterus expands and restricts blood flowing back from your lower extremities, contribute to this risk. The elevated risk continues until about 6 weeks after giving birth. Being on bed rest or having a cesarean delivery , commonly referred to as a C-section, also increases your risk of having DVT. Your risk of developing blood clots is higher when flying because sitting for long periods of time increases the chances of DVT.
The longer the flight, the greater the risk. A nutrient-dense and balanced diet is important for preventing DVT and helping to avoid life threatening complications. Plus, a healthier lifestyle incorporates many of the changes that are necessary to prevent blood clots in the first place. This includes moving more, quitting smoking, and maintaining a moderate weight. You can lower your risk of DVT and blood clots with a balanced diet.
Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains deliver essential vitamins and minerals. Some vitamins and minerals can interfere with DVT medications. Review any vitamins or supplements you take with your doctor, and ask about possible interactions with medications.
DVT is a serious condition that could be life threatening. Diagnosis can often be difficult, as many people with DVT do not experience symptoms. They may prescribe medication or other therapies to help you treat DVT, but there are many things you can do on your own. Blood clots most often start in the legs and travel up through the right side of the heart and into the lungs.
This is called DVT. If you develop signs or symptoms of DVT , contact your doctor. If you develop signs or symptoms of a pulmonary embolism PE — a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis — seek emergency medical help. The main causes of DVT are damage to a vein from surgery or trauma and inflammation due to infection or injury.
Many things can increase your risk of developing DVT. The more risk factors you have, the greater your risk of DVT. Risk factors for DVT include:. Pulmonary embolism PE. PE is a potentially life-threatening complication associated with DVT. It occurs when a blood vessel in your lung becomes blocked by a blood clot thrombus that travels to your lung from another part of your body, usually your leg.
It's important to get immediate medical help if you have signs and symptoms of PE. Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain while inhaling or coughing, rapid breathing, rapid pulse, feeling faint or fainting, and coughing up blood may occur with a PE. If you're on a plane, stand or walk occasionally. If you can't do that, exercise your lower legs. Try raising and lowering your heels while keeping your toes on the floor, then raising your toes with your heels on the floor.
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