Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when blood moves too slowly through your veins, and a blood clot is formed. Typically, in a healthy vein, the pressure from vein walls creates a compression to help push the blood through the vein. In a damaged vein, venous disease causes the blood to pool and expands the veins, causing blood to flow slower. DVT typically occurs in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis.
What are the Signs & Symptoms Of Deep Vein Thrombosis?
- Swelling in your foot, ankle, or leg, (typically single leg)
- Cramping or pain that typically starts in your calf
- Warm feeling in affected leg
- Severe unexpected pain in your foot and ankle
- Pale, red, or other discolored skin in affected leg
What are the Risk Factors of Deep Vein Thrombosis?
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Family history of DVT
- Hormone therapy for birth control
- Pregnancy
- Injury due to injury, trauma, or surgery
- Varicose Veins
- Age, however, DVT can happen to anyone
- Prolonged lack of movement
- Respiratory or heart failure
- Inherited blood disorders that increase the risk of blood clots
- A central venous catheter