What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

What is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? This is a kind of blood clot that forms in one of your body's deep veins, often in the legs. DVTs are fairly common, impacting as many as 900,000 Americans annually—and that includes pro-athletes such as Damien Lillard. They can block the flow of your blood, or lead to a pulmonary embolism, a situation that can be life-threatening. As such, preventing or quickly treating a DVT could be crucial to your health.

What Causes Deep Vein Thrombosis Formation?

DVT risk factors include:

• Sitting for long periods of time, especially during air travel
• Obesity, or even carrying extra weight
• Recent surgery on your lower body bones, particularly your hips or knees
• Having anxiety or depression
• Being pregnant
• Combination oral contraceptions
• Being female

Finally, women have a higher DVT risk, especially during pregnancy. But, even when not pregnant, taking a combination oral contraception (COC) may increase your blood clot risk.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

What is a deep vein thrombosis warning sign? Unfortunately, some DVTs form without any signs of symptoms. But others will leave your leg red, swollen or warm to the touch. Walking may also be challenging with a DVT.

Diagnosis and Treatment

We can diagnose a DVT with an MRI or ultrasound. If you have a deep vein thrombosis, treatment will be focused on:

1. Preventing further clot growth.
2. Keeping the clot from breaking free.
3. Lowering your risk for new clot formation.

To that end, you may need to take anti-coagulant or blood-thinning medications, through an IV or orally. A thrombolytic medication may be necessary to break up your DVT, and you'll have to wear compression stockings to support improved blood flow.

DVT Prevention

Our vascular specialists in Georgia help prevent deep vein thrombosis with suggestions for living a lifestyle that can boost your blood flow. Wear your compression stockings as suggested, try to stay active and get regular exercise, and try to eat more of these key foods for vein health.

Now, we can't always prevent a DVT. But we can help prevent this kind of clot from changing your life forever. To start, you can request a consultation at one of our three Georgia vascular clinics. Then, when you come in, we can review your risk for deep vein thrombosis, and come up with a personalized plan to maximize your health.