Deep Vein Thrombosis, Explained
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
- Being on bed rest or sitting for long periods of time – Prolonged bed rest, especially for people with paralysis or those hospitalised for a long period of time, and prolonged sitting, such as passengers in long flights or drives, are risk factors for DVT. When your legs remain still for many hours, the muscles of the legs do not contract. Muscle contraction is important for good blood circulation, and absence of contraction can cause blood clots to form in the legs.
- Surgery or injury – Any type of injury to a vein, such as when surgery is performed or when there is trauma, can increase the risk for blood to clot in the affected vein.
- Pregnancy – Pregnant women have high pressure in the veins of the pelvis and the legs which increases the risk for blood clots to form.
- Weight – Obese individuals also have high pressure in the veins of the pelvis and the legs.
- Age – Although DVT can develop at any age, people aged 60 and above are at higher risk of DVT.
- Lifestyle – Those who smoke are at higher risk of DVT as smoking has negative effects on blood circulation and increases the risk for blood clots.
- Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy – People who use oral contraceptive pills or undergo hormone replacement therapy have a greater risk for DVT.
- Cancer – Certain types of cancer and some forms of cancer treatment increase the risk for DVT.
- Severe varicose veins – Varicose veins blood clots that develop in the superficial veins close to the surface of the skin. People with severe varicose veins may be more likely to develop DVT.
- Family history – If someone in your family has a history of DVT. You may have a higher risk for developing the same condition.
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 เล่นเกมคาสิโน UFABET ทันสมัย ฝากถอนง่าย 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 said to have less severe DVT compared to those with symptoms. However, complications of DVT can still develop among individuals without symptoms.