Blood clots are a natural and healthy process in your body when they work to stop bleeding. This natural process works to stop bleeding caused by a scrape or a cut. Your blood clots when your blood platelets stick together at the cut area form a plug that keeps blood from leaking out. Proteins in your blood work to signal when no more clotting is needed so the clot doesn't become too large or spread too far.
Unfortunately, blood clots can occur when they are not needed and can cause serious medical issues. This can happen in many areas of the body including the legs. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms deep in a major vein in your body. This dangerous type of blood clot is very serious and kills over 100,000 Americans each year. DVT is most common in your lower legs. It's important to recognize the warning signs of a blood clot in your leg and know how to prevent them from happening. It's also possible to have a blood clot without any obvious symptoms. If you think you may have a blood clot in your leg, you should seek medical attention at once.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is dangerous as it blocks circulation in a major vein. These major veins are what move blood from your legs or arms back to your heart. Blood clots may begin to form in a major vein in the leg due to changes in blood flow, damage to the blood vessel, or as a side effect of certain medications.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot breaks loose and moves through the bloodstream causing a blockage in the lungs. Depending on the severity of the blockage, a pulmonary embolism can cause difficulty breathing and even lead to death.
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms can be diagnosed using imaging tests such as ultrasounds and CT scans. Treatment varies based on the severity of the clot. Most often, blood thinning medication is used to prevent further clotting and minimize the risk of the clot traveling through the bloodstream. In extreme cases, surgery may be required to remove the blood clot.
The most common symptoms for DVT are swelling, pain, tenderness and a reddish discoloration in the leg. The severity of these symptoms depends on the size of the clot. For a large clot, you may experience swelling in your entire leg. However, many people do not experience any warning signs with a DVT. If you have any of these symptoms or suspect you may have a blood clot, seek medical attention immediately.
There are many other questions you may have about DVT and blood clots in the legs. Hopefully some of these common ones can provide answers.
Q: What kind of doctors treat Deep Vein Thrombosis?
A: A general practitioner or emergency medicine specialist is able to diagnose DVT. A pulmonologist or hematologist may be involved in treatment and a vascular surgeon will perform surgery if necessary.
Q: How is DVT diagnosed?
A: Symptoms, blood tests, and imaging tests are considered together by your doctor when diagnosing DVT.
Q: What is the most common treatment for DVT?
A: Anticoagulation, using blood thinning medication, is the most common treatment. This can involve both injected and digestible medications.
Q: When is surgery necessary to treat DVT?
A: Typically, surgery is only required in patients who are unable to take blood thinners or who have developed the clot while already on blood thinning medication.
Q: What is the best way to prevent DVT?
A: A healthy diet, active lifestyle, and routine visits to your doctor are the best strategies to avoid blood clots.
