What is Deep Venous Thrombosis? The Disease and Treatment Options

Deep Vein Thrombosis, (DVT) is a blood clot which can form in the legs and at times these blood clots can move on into the lungs, where they can be fatal. The fact is that, complications from DVT are the cause of more deaths each year in the United States than that of AIDS and breast cancer combined. When a patient has cancer and certain heart diseases, or respiratory illnesses, the risk is even increased further. In most cases of DVT, the clots are small and do not cause any symptoms. The body is able to progressively break down the clot and there are no long-term effects.

What are the causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis?
DVT affects mainly the legs and thighs. These clots form in larger veins in the effected area. When these clots are present, they get in the way of the normal circulation process. These clots may break off and travel through the blood stream as a result. They then can lodge in the brain, lungs, heart, or other areas resulting in sever damage to the affected organs.

Risks are increased with prolonged sitting, bed rest, or immobilization. DVT has been known to occur during a long plane or car trip. If one has had recent surgery, a trauma, fractures, or childbirth within the period of the last six months, the risk for DVT is increased. There is also a risk with the use of certain medications such as, estrogen or birth control pills. 

The occurrence of DVT is most commonly seen in those over the age of 60, but it can occur at any age. 

Systems: 

1) Pain in one leg 

2) Experiencing a tenderness in one leg 

3) Edema in one leg 

4) The feeling of warmth in one leg 

5) Skin color changes in one leg, which is red. 

Tests to diagnose DVT: 

1) The fist sign presented to a physician may be the presence of a red, and swollen leg. 

2) A venography of the legs may be taken 

3) An ultrasound 

4) D-dimer blood test 

The treatment for DVT is prevention. For years the use of the drug Heparin, has been given through the veins. This drug usually is effective and results are realized rather quickly. Another drug called Warfarin, is administered after the administration of Heparin.