What are the Signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Venous disease is progressive, meaning if left untreated, you are at increased risk of developing more symptoms. Some of these symptoms can cause complications that may be life-threatening. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that can result from untreated venous insufficiency. This occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body. This usually occurs in the legs, but it can happen in other areas of the body, as well. The lower extremity veins are most susceptible to blood clotting because the circulatory system has to work harder to usher the blood back upwards to the heart. If you have weak or damaged veins from venous insufficiency, your risk of DVT is higher. 

Other risk factors for developing deep vein thrombosis include the following: 

• Age— risk increases after age 40.
• Prolonged sitting or standing— this interferes with proper circulation.
• Bed rest, like when you’re in the hospital for a long time, can also keep your muscles still and raise your odds of DVT.
• Pregnancy— increased blood volume and pressure on veins. 
• Obesity— excess fat compresses veins and increases blood pressure.
• Genetics— certain inherited blood disorders can cause too much clotting.
• Injury to a vein from trauma or surgery 
• Smoking— causes venous inflammation 
• Certain birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. 
• High cholesterol 

If you experience recurrent leg pain or swelling and are at increased risk for developing DVT, you must see a vein specialist. 

Deep Vein Thrombosis Symptoms & Complications 

Some people don’t experience any profound vein thrombosis symptoms. However, others report symptoms that include:

• Swelling
• Sudden onset of leg pain, achiness, or soreness that is worse when standing or walking 
• Cramping 
• Change in skin color on the leg — such as red, purple, or blue
• A feeling of warmth in the affected area
• Enlarged veins at the skin's surface 

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Deep vein thrombosis can lead to a life-threatening complication called pulmonary embolism (PE). This occurs when a blood clot breaks free and moves through your bloodstream, lodged in your lung vessels. Symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing blood, rapid breathing, rapid pulse, fainting, and perfuse sweating. This is an emergency.  

Another complication of DVT is called Postphlebitic Syndrome. This is a long-term condition that occurs after DVT. Symptoms include redness, swelling, ulcers, and chronic leg pain. You are at increased risk of developing another DVT if you suffer from postphlebitic syndrome. 

Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment: Conservative Therapy & Medications 

Deep vein thrombosis treatment primarily consists of anticoagulant medications or blood thinners. Some of the most commonly prescribed include:

• apixaban (Eliquis)
• dabigatran (Pradaxa)
• edoxaban (Lixiana)
• rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
• warfarin (Coumadin)

While these medications can effectively control blood clots, the risk of hemorrhage increases when taking blood thinners. Therefore, the American Heart Association recommends that patients taking blood thinners have monthly blood monitoring. Other side effects of anticoagulant medications include dizziness, severe headache, stomach ache, blood in urine or stool, coughing up blood, and excessive menstrual bleeding in women. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away. 

Conservative treatments and preventive measures can always go a long way in creating healthier veins. Visit the experts at BASS Vein Center. We have the knowledge and expertise to answer your questions, address your concerns, and treat your vein conditions. Our center offers five different vascular procedures or vein treatments. These procedures include Conservative Vein Treatment, Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy, VenaSeal™, Sclerotherapy, and Ambulatory Phlebectomy. At BASS Vein Center, we are dedicated to providing excellent venous healthcare.