Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more deep veins in the body, usually in the legs. It can cause leg pain or inflammation. Sometimes there are no significant DVT symptoms. You can get DVT if you have certain medical conditions that affect blood pressure. Blood clots in the legs can also develop if you do not move for long periods. For example, you may be immobilized when traveling long distances or resting in bed due to surgery, illness, or an accident.
Deep vein thrombosis can be dangerous because the blood vessels in the arteries can rupture. The clots can travel through the bloodstream and become stuck in the lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism). When DVT and pulmonary embolism occur together, it is called venous thromboembolism (VTE).
If we talk about DVT symptoms, there are no such significant symptoms, but minor issues can turn into DVT symptoms. Here is a list of some DVT symptoms, which if you have, you must see a doctor.

some DVT symptoms

• Swelling in leg
•  Pain in the legs, cramping, or soreness often starts in the calf.
•  Change in the color of the skin on the leg — such as red or purple, depending on the color of your skin
• A feeling or sense of slight warmth on the affected leg
•  Mild fever

These are some DVT symptoms that should not be ignored

What are the causes of deep vein thrombosis?

Arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood from the body tissues back to the heart. The arteries lying under the skin are called the “superficial veins,” while the veins located deep in the muscles are called the “deep veins.” Some arteries connect the upper and lower arteries, allowing blood flow.
When blood clots form in arteries, it is called venous thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that occurs in the deep veins. DVT can occur in any of the deep veins but usually occurs in the leg veins. The lump will close slightly or block blood flow to the affected arteries. DVT is generally more sensitive than blood clots in one of the external arteries, as there is a greater risk with DVT that part of the plaque may come out and circulate in the body. Anything that deters the blood from flowing correctly can cause a blood clot. The leading causes of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are damage to a vein from surgery or inflammation and damage due to infection or injury.
The risk associated with DVT
Many factors can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If you have a lot of risk factors, you are more likely to have DVT.

DVT risk factors include:

 Age:

Being older than 60 increases the risk of DVT. But DVT can occur at any age.

Lack of mobility:

When the legs do not move for a long time, the calf muscles do not contract (contract). Muscle contraction helps blood flow. Prolonged exposure, such as while driving or flying, increases DVT risk. So is prolonged bed rest, which may result from an extended hospital stay or a health condition such as disability.

Injury or surgery:

A vascular injury or surgery can increase the risk of blood clots.

Pregnancy:

• Pregnancy increases the pressure on the arteries in the pelvis and legs. The risk of blood clots from pregnancy can continue for up to six weeks after the baby is born. People with constipation are especially at risk.
• Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement therapy can increase blood clotting ability.
• Obesity or overweight: Obesity increases the pressure on the pelvis and legs.
•  Smoking: Smoking affects blood flow and clotting factors, which may increase DVT risk.
•  Cancer: Some cancers increase the amount of fluid in the blood, which makes the blood thicker. Other types of cancer treatment also increase the risk of blood clots.
•  Heart failure:

Heart failure increases the risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism. Because the heart and lungs do not work well in people with heart disease, the symptoms caused by even the smallest pulmonary embolism are very noticeable.

Inflammatory bowel disease:

Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis increases DVT risk.

• Personal or family history of DVT or PE: If you or someone in your family has experienced one or both of these conditions, you may be at greater risk of getting DVT.
• Genetics: Some people have DNA mutations that make blood easier to clot. One example is factor V Leiden. This genetic disorder alters one of the factors in blood clotting. The genetic disorder may not cause blood clots unless combined with other risk factors.
  DVT can happen to anyone, but you can make specific changes in your lifestyle to prevent yourself from this deadly disease. Standard measures to help reduce the risk of having DVT are to quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly. If certain medical conditions or inherited disorders are present, long-term anticoagulant treatment may be recommended to reduce DVT risk.

Here are three things that you can do by yourself to prevent DVT-

•  Move your legs: If you have ever had surgery or are on bed rest, try moving as fast as possible. Do not cross your legs while sitting. Doing so can block the flow of blood. When traveling, take regular breaks to stretch your legs. If you are on a plane, stop or walk from time to time. If you are driving, stop for an hour and walk again. If you are unable to walk, do some leg exercises. Raise and lower your heels while keeping your toes down. Then lift your toes while keeping your heels down.
• Do not smoke: Smoking increases the risk of DVT.
• Carry weight: Obesity is a risk factor for DVT. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of blood clots. Generally, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily. You may need more exercise if you want to lose; primary specifics meet specific fitness goals.

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