What does deep vein thrombosis mean?
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs.
Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling but also can occur with no symptoms.
You can get DVT if you have certain medical conditions that affect how your blood clots. A blood clot in your legs can also happen if you don't move for a long time, such as after you have surgery or an accident, when you're traveling a long distance, or when you're on bed rest.
Deep vein thrombosis can be very serious and it is necessary to consult a specialist in a timely manner.
Symptoms
Swelling in the affected leg. Rarely, there's swelling in both legs.
In some clinical cases, deep vein thrombosis occurs without symptoms.
Pain in your leg. The pain often starts in your calf and can feel like cramping or soreness, red or discolored skin on the leg, a feeling of warmth in the affected leg.
When to see a doctor
If you develop signs or symptoms of DVT, contact your doctor.
If you develop signs or symptoms of a pulmonary embolism seek emergency medical help.
The warning signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath or when you cough
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or fainting
- Rapid pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Coughing up blood
Causes
Anything that prevents your blood from flowing or clotting normally can cause a blood clot.
Risk factors
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:
- Trauma, Injury
- Surgery
- Hereditary disorders of blood clotting
- Prolonged bed rest
- Pregnancy
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Cancer
- Heart failure
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- A personal or family history of DVT or PE
- Age (60+)
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352557
