What is deep vein thrombosis (dvt)?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein, usually in the legs. These clots require medical care right away.

These clots are dangerous because they can break loose, travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, and block blood flow in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Pulmonary embolism is often life-threatening. DVT can also lead to long-lasting problems. It may damage the vein and cause the area near the clot to ache, swell, and change color.

Blood clots most often form in the calf and thigh veins, and less often in the arm veins or pelvic veins. Diagnosis and treatment of DVT in other parts of the body are similar.

DVT often doesn't cause symptoms. Or it may cause only minor ones. When symptoms happen, they include:

• Swelling in the affected area of the leg or arm.
• Redness and warmth in the affected area.
• Pain or tenderness. You may have pain only when you touch the affected area or when you stand or walk.

Sometimes a pulmonary embolism is the first sign that you have DVT.

If your doctor thinks you may have DVT, you will probably have an ultrasound test. You may have other tests as well.

If your doctor thinks that you have DVT, you probably will have an ultrasound test to measure the blood flow through your veins and help find any clots that might be blocking the flow.

To see if you need an ultrasound, the doctor will do a physical exam. This will include checking your heart and lungs and checking your legs for warmth, swelling, bulging veins, or changes in skin color.

More tests may be used when ultrasound results are unclear. These can include a D-dimer test, MRI, or CT scan. These tests may help diagnose or exclude a blood clot.

If your doctor thinks you might have a pulmonary embolism, he or she may test your lungs.

Treatment for DVT usually involves taking blood thinners. They prevent blood clots by increasing the time it takes a blood clot to form. They also help prevent existing blood clots from getting larger.

Your doctor also may suggest that you prop up or elevate your leg or arm when possible, take several walks a day, and wear compression stockings. These measures may help reduce the pain and swelling that can happen with DVT.

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• If you are taking a blood thinner, be sure you get instructions about how to take your medicine safely. Blood thinners can cause serious bleeding problems.
• Try to walk several times a day.
• Wear compression stockings if your doctor recommends them. These stockings are tighter at the feet than on the legs. They may reduce pain and swelling in your legs. But there are different types of stockings, and they need to fit right. So your doctor will recommend what you need.
• When you sit, use a pillow to raise the arm or leg that has the blood clot. Try to keep it above the level of your heart.