What are signs that a client might have a deep vein thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis, better known as DVT, may creep up on us when we least expect it, and cause serious consequences when it does strike. DVT refers to the formation of a blood clot in a vein that is located deep in the body. This condition most commonly affects the veins on the thigh or lower leg, but can also affect the arm, intestines, liver or kidney. Show What causes DVT?There are many factors that increase a person’s risk of developing blood clots. People who have more risk factors will have a higher risk of developing DVT. These risk factors include:
What are the symptoms of DVT?The most common symptoms of DVT are swelling, pain, and redness of the affected area. Since DVT commonly affects the legs, the most common symptoms are leg pain, redness and swelling. Leg pain often starts in the calf of the affected leg and is typically described as a cramping pain. The skin over the affected area of the leg can also become red, pale or even bluish. It can also feel warmer compared to the rest of the body. Swelling of the affected foot, ankle or leg can also develop and usually affects just one side. Fifty percent of people with DVT do not have any symptoms and are said to have less severe DVT compared to those with symptoms. However, complications of DVT can still develop among individuals without symptoms. What are the complications of DVT?Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening complication that can arise from DVT. It occurs when a part of the blood clot becomes dislodged and travels through the bloodstream into the lungs. This blood clot can obstruct blood flow to the lungs, resulting in a life-threatening medical emergency. A long-term complication of DVT is post-thrombotic syndrome. This complication arises when the vein ceases to function well. Instead of flowing through the vein to return to the heart, the blood remains in these veins. As a result of poor blood flow in the veins, individuals will experience pain, redness and swelling of the affected area. In severe cases, skin ulcers can develop. Post-thrombotic syndrome can hinder the movement and daily activities of the affected individual. How is DVT diagnosed?Your doctor will first ask your medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. They can also request for an ultrasound to visualise the blood clots in the veins. Other tests that can be requested are computerised tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and certain blood tests. What are the treatment options for DVT?DVT is most commonly treated with anticoagulants or blood thinners. Some examples of blood thinners are warfarin, heparin, enoxaparin and fondaparinux. If blood thinners are not effective or if you have severe DVT, your vascular surgeon can use a minimally invasive device, via a small puncture in the groin, to ‘suck out’ the clots or give medications that dissolve the clots. Very often, during these procedures to remove the clots, a filter inserted into a large vein called the vena cava. This filter prevents the blood clots from going to the lungs. How is DVT prevented?The following are recommended to prevent DVT:
When should I see a doctor?It is best to consult a doctor immediately if you have any symptoms of DVT. Since some people with DVT do not have symptoms, it is best to go for a check-up with your doctor if you have multiple risk factors for DVT. Article reviewed by Dr Cheng Shin Chuen, general surgeon at Parkway East Hospital References Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), retrieved on 22 October 2020 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352563. (6 March 2018) Delgado A. Everything You Want to Know About Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), retrieved on 22 October 2020 from https://www.healthline.com/health/deep-venous-thrombosis. (13 November 2019) DVT (deep vein thrombosis), retrieved on 22 October 2020 from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt/. (23 October 2019) Deep Vein Thrombosis, retrieved on 22 October 2020 from https://medlineplus.gov/deepveinthrombosis.html. (10 August 2018) Wedro B. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT, Blood Clot in the Legs), retrieved on 22 October 2020 from https://www.medicinenet.com/deep_vein_thrombosis/article.htm. (11 July 2019) Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), retrieved on 22 October 2020 from https://www.webmd.com/dvt/what-is-dvt-and-what-causes-it. (24 August 2020) Venous Thromboembolism (Blood Clots), retrieved on 22 October 2020 from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/facts.html. (7 February 2020) Pulmonary embolism, retrieved on 22 October 2020 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-embolism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354647. (13 June 2020) Young B. Post-Thrombotic Syndrome, retrieved on 22 October 2020 from https://www.healthline.com/health/post-thrombotic-syndrome. (29 September 2018) Blood Clots And Varicose Veins, retrieved on 22 October 2020 from https://www.stoptheclot.org/blood-clots-and-varicose-veins/ (n.d.) Diagnosing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), retrieved on 22 October 2020 from https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/blood-heart-circulation/deep-vein-thrombosis/diagnosis.html. (n.d.) Surgical Thrombectomy, retrieved on 22 October 2020 from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/surgical-thrombectomy. (n.d.) What are the signs for deep vein thrombosis?DVT symptoms
pain, swelling and tenderness in one of your legs (usually your calf or thigh) a heavy ache in the affected area. warm skin in the area of the clot. red skin, particularly at the back of your leg below the knee.
What are the 10 signs of a blood clot?Warning Signs and Symptoms of Blood Clots. Swelling in the leg or arm.. Tenderness or cramps in the leg.. Out of breath, or shortness of breath.. Passing out or feeling lightheaded.. Chest pain or back pain when breathing.. Leg discoloration, either a red or blue hue.. Overdrive, when your heart is racing.. Time to call 911.. |