The Dangers of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition that happens when blood clots (thrombi) form inside the deeper veins, typically in your legs. Every year, more than 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with DVT, putting them at risk of serious complications and even death.

At Florida Heart, Vein, and Vascular Institute, our team is skilled in diagnosing and treating DVT using state-of-the-art, patient-centered techniques focused on achieving optimal outcomes for every patient. 

In this post, learn why DVT happens and what makes it so dangerous to your health and well-being.

The ABCs of DVT

DVT develops when blood flow in your deep veins slows, leading to formation of a clot. While DVT can affect virtually any deep vein, it’s especially common in your legs, where your veins have to work a lot harder to return blood to your heart and lungs.

There are many risk factors that can make you more susceptible to DVT, including:

• Prolonged immobility, like bedrest or long plane flights
• Lower limb or pelvic surgery
• Hormonal fluctuations from hormone therapy, pregnancy, or hormonal contraceptives
• Personal history of blood clots
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Clotting disorders

DVT risk also increases with age.

DVT symptoms

Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis can range from mild to severe, and in some instances, it may not cause any noticeable symptoms. 

When symptoms do occur, they typically include swelling in one leg, often accompanied by cramps, especially when standing or walking. The skin over the clot may be reddish and warm to the touch. 

Symptoms can be subtle, and it’s easy to mistake them for a different issue, like a muscle strain. Because DVT can be life-threatening, seek treatment right away if you notice any of these symptoms, especially if you also have risk factors for DVT.

Dangers of DVT

DVT can interfere with circulation, but the real danger happens if the clot (or a piece of it) breaks free and travels through your bloodstream. If the clot travels to one of your lungs, it can cause a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism. 

A pulmonary embolism (PE) interferes with blood flow in the lungs, leading to reduced blood oxygen levels and excess heart strain. Even very tiny clots can damage lung tissue and impair lung function, leading to life-threatening complications.

Beyond the immediate threat of a pulmonary embolism, DVT can also lead to a long-term complication called post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). You can develop PTS even when initial DVT treatment is successful. 

In PTS, clots damage the vein and the tiny valves that help move blood back to your heart. Blood backs up inside your vein, causing swelling, inflammation, pain, and skin changes that can eventually lead to deep sores or ulcers.

Treating DVT

Our team offers patient-centered treatment for DVT, tailoring therapy on a patient-by-patient basis. In most cases, therapy begins with medication to thin your blood or, in more severe cases, dissolve the clot. 

In other cases, we recommend a minimally invasive procedure that uses a long, slim tube called a catheter to remove the clot or deliver clot-dissolving medicines directly to the area.

Depending on your needs, we may implant a tiny filter inside a large vein in your belly. This filter traps the clot as it travels toward your heart and lungs, preventing the clot from causing an embolism.

Early diagnosis is crucial

You can manage DVT successfully, but early diagnosis and treatment are essential. If you think you might have DVT, book an appointment online or over the phone today with our team at Florida Heart, Vein, and Vascular Institute in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Plant City, and Riverview, Florida.