Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Venous Thrombosis

Introduction

Deep Vein Thrombosis also Venous Thrombosis. A blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs. This condition is serious because blood clots can loosen and lodge in the lungs. Leg pain or swelling may occur, but there may be no symptoms. Treatments include medication and use of compression stockings.

Deep Vein Thrombosis ( DVT)

What is it?

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is the development of a blood clot in a large vein. These clots show up most commonly  in the lower extremities, particularly the thigh. Women are more susceptible to clots during pregnancy and delivery and particularly in the post partam period.  This happens because nature wisely worried about too much  bleeding at childbirth tends to increase the blood's clotting ability, occasionally too much. Another factor that can contribute is the enlarged uterus, which makes difficult for blood in the lower body to return to the heart. If untreated a DVT can  result in the clot moving of the lungs and becoming life threatening.

How common is it?

DVT occurs in 1 in every 500 to 2000 pregnancies including the post partum  period. DVT is more common  if you are older, over weight, a smoker have a personal or family history of clots or have hypertension, diabetes or a variety of other conditions, including vascular disease. Prolonged bed rest with little activity  can also put you at higher risk of DVT, as can long place rides.

Signs & Symptoms

• A heavy and painful feeling in leg.
• Tenderness in calf and thigh
• Slight to severe swelling.
• Distension of superficial veins
• Calf pain on flexing the foot, (turning the toes up towards the chin).

Causes

Signs & Symptoms

• A heavy and painful feeling in leg.
• Tenderness in calf and thigh
• Slight to severe swelling
• Distension of the superficial veins
• Calf pain on flexing the foot, (turning the toes up towards the chin).

If the blood clot has moved to the lungs (a pulmonary embolus), there may be

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing with frothy blood stained sputum.
• Rapid heartbeat and breathing rate
• Blueness of lips and finger tips
• Fever

What can you or your Practioner do?

If you've been diagnosed  with DVT or any kind of blood clot in previous pregnancies, let your Practioner know. In addition if you notice swelling and pain in just one leg at any time during your pregnancy, call your Practioner right away. Don't massage the swelling.

Diagnosis

• Ultrasound : May be used to diagnose a blood clot in a leg. 
• Special Scan - Ventilation Perfusion A CT study can diagnose a clot in a lung. If it turns out that you do have a clot you might be treated with heparin.

Prevention

You can prevent clot by keeping your blood flowing 

• Getting enough exercise
• Avoiding long periods of sitting will help you do this.
• If you have to fly get up and move around every hour or two. 
• Do ankle roll exercise while you sit.
• Take stretching breaks frequently during long car rides too.
• Staying well hydrated also prevents a blood clot.
• If you 're at a high risk, you can also wear support hose to prevent clots from developing in your legs.
• If you have been put on bed rest, take steps to reduce you risk.

Treatment

Compression Socks

• Lung clot is treated with Heparin to thin your blood and prevent further clotting. (Though the Heparin may be discontinued as you near term to prevent you from bleeding excessively during delivery). Your clotting ability will be monitored along the way.
• Surgical method for permanent relief from DVT.
• Open Thrombectomy.
• Thrombolysis.
• Penumbra system.

Common

More than 1 million cases per year (India)

Requires a medical diagnosis

Lab tests or imaging always required

Treatable by a medical professional

Medium-term: resolves within months

Critical: needs emergency care

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