Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment
What is deep vein thrombosis? Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein in the human body. Blood clots occur when blood clumps together or thickens. Most blood clots occur in the legs, hips or arms. Deep vein thrombosis can be symptomless or can manifest itself with varying degrees of clinical findings, from fatal clots to lung clots. When the clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow, damage occurs in other parts of the body, and can even result in death. What is deep vein thrombosis DVT? How is deep vein thrombosis treated? What are the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis? Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs due to blood clots in the veins deep in the body. Deep vein blood clots usually form in the veins of the lower leg or thigh, and they rarely occur in other parts of the body. There are many ways to treat Deep Vein Thrombosis. The DVT treatment process includes medications, certain devices and therapies.
What is DVT?
What is deep vein thrombosis? Deep vein thrombosis is a condition that causes blood clots in the nerves. It can cause more negative situations when it affects the veins of organs such as the brain, heart and lungs. Deep vein thrombosis blood clots can occur anywhere in your body. They develop when blood thickens and clumps together. When a clot forms in a vein deep in the body, it is called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an internal varicose vein clot. More advanced treatment methods can be applied than varicose vein treatment methods.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
What is deep vein thrombosis? Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a type of blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the body. It usually occurs in the legs, but in rare cases it can also be seen in the arms or other areas. DVT can often be a serious health problem because clots can block blood flow and reach the lungs, which can be life-threatening.
What are the Symptoms of DVT?
Signs and symptoms of DVT usually include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the leg. Pain and swelling in the leg can occur, especially after a long period of inactivity. Sudden, significant pain in the leg can also be a symptom of DVT. If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to see a healthcare professional immediately.
What Causes DVT?
DVT can have many different causes. The most common causes include prolonged inactivity, bed rest, prolonged sitting or traveling, surgery, trauma, cancer, pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy. Genetic factors can also increase the risk of DVT.
How is DVT Diagnosed?
DVT is usually diagnosed with a physical exam and imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or doppler ultrasound. These tests can help determine the presence and location of a blood clot.
How is DVT Treated?
Treatment for DVT usually aims to stop the blood clot from growing and prevent it from reaching the lungs. Treatment usually begins with blood thinners. In addition, elevating the legs, walking frequently, and using elastic bandages may be recommended. In more serious cases, thrombolytic drugs or surgery may be required to dissolve the clot.
What Are the Complications of DVT?
One of the most serious complications of DVT is pulmonary embolism. In this case, the blood clot can travel to the lungs and block the pulmonary arteries, which can be life-threatening. In addition, repeated cases of DVT can lead to chronic venous insufficiency.
How to Prevent DVT?
The most effective way to prevent DVT is to avoid sedentary behavior and move the legs at regular intervals during prolonged sitting or traveling. It is also important to avoid factors that may increase the risk of blood clots. These include being overweight, smoking, low water intake, and a low-fiber diet.
Deep vein thrombosis is a serious health problem and early diagnosis and treatment are important. Being informed about the symptoms of DVT and reducing risk factors can help prevent this condition. If you experience symptoms of DVT or are concerned about it, it is important to see a health professional immediately. Regular exercise, a balanced diet and periodic check-ups recommended by your doctor are also important for a healthy life.
The three basic pathogenetic mechanisms that cause its formation were defined by Virchow approximately 150 years ago and are still accepted:
*Slow blood flow (stasis),
*Damage to the vascular wall (endothelial damage)
*Tension to clot (hypercoagulability) are defined as the Virchow triad.
What Causes Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Age: It is an important factor that doubles the risk every ten years after the age of 40.
Genetic Factors: Genetic factors that increase the risk of thromboembolism are generally called thrombophilia. The Factor V Leiden mutation has been studied the most on this subject. In addition, antithrombin 3 (AT3), protein C and protein S deficiency are among the genetic factors that increase the risk of thromboembolism. It should be considered that these genetic mutations may underlie VTEs, especially seen in young cases (under 50 years of age), and these should be investigated.
Immobilization: Occupations that require long periods of immobility, those who travel for long periods, and patients with stroke are at risk.
Birth control pill and hormone use: The risk continues for up to 3 months after stopping.
Having had deep vein thrombosis before.
Damage to the inner surface of the vein: It can occur from injuries due to various factors.
Slow and heavy blood flow: Inactivity can cause slow blood flow.
Other factors:
Smoking: It is not a risk factor on its own, but the risk increases with birth control pills.
Type of anesthesia in surgeries: The risk is higher in general anesthesia.
Surgical interventions: The risk increases especially after orthopedic operations and long-term immobilization.
What are the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis?
What are the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis? Deep vein thrombosis, which shows symptoms in only half of the patients, usually shows symptoms such as sudden swelling, pain, redness or bruising in the legs, and increased temperature in the painful part of the leg. If a clot occurs in the lungs (Pulmonary thromboembolism, PTE), it may be accompanied by symptoms such as unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, cough and bloody sputum, and sweating. Both DVT and PE (Pulmonary Embolism) can cause serious health problems if left untreated.
Although the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis can be made by physical examination, it is not always clear. To confirm the diagnosis, a clinical risk score is performed and examinations such as D-dimer or Doppler ultrasonography (US), contrast venography, computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, which show clot breakdown products, should be performed. In addition, blood tests may be required to investigate your hereditary blood clotting disorder.
What to Do for DVT Treatment
The main purpose of DVT treatment is to prevent the veins from opening and developing DVT again, and the development of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) due to DVT.
*To prevent the blood clot from growing
*To prevent the clot from being carried to the lungs
*To prevent the clot from recurring
In treatment, 20 days of bed rest is very important, especially at the beginning. However, blood thinners are given, followed by the use of varicose vein stockings and exercise are recommended.