Tepe ia-auraki hōhonu Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a vein that runs through the muscle of your calf or thigh. The clot can sometimes break off and travel to your lungs, causing a very serious condition called pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT is treated with blood thinning medication (anticoagulants) to stop more clots forming.
Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
Symptoms of a DVT in your leg include:
- swelling
- pain, often in your calf
- change in your skin colour
- warm skin over the painful or swollen area.
You may have an increased risk of having a DVT for several reasons, including some medical conditions and long-distance travel.
Diagnosing deep vein thrombosis
Your healthcare provider will assess you and decide how likely it is that you have a DVT.
You may need a blood test called D-Dimer. This detects blood clot pieces in your blood. If the test finds blood clot pieces in your blood, they could be from a DVT. But they could also be from other conditions like a recent operation, injury or pregnancy.
An ultrasound scan can check the blood flow in your veins to show the area where there is a clot.
Treating deep vein thrombosis
A DVT is treated with blood thinning (anticoagulant) medicines that reduce your blood’s ability to clot. This stops the DVT getting bigger and from breaking loose.
Your healthcare provider will choose the most suitable type of anticoagulant for you.
You will need to keep taking anticoagulants for at least 3 months.
Your healthcare provider may recommend that you remain on anticoagulants for life to prevent another DVT. This is more likely if there was no cause found for your DVT or if you have an ongoing risk of clots.
After a DVT, some people have ongoing problems with their leg such as pain, swelling and a rash. This is known as post-thrombotic syndrome. Your healthcare provider may recommend you wear compression stockings if this happens.
Reducing your risk of deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis is a higher risk if you:
- have had a deep vein thrombosis or blood clots before
- have been unwell or had an operation recently
- are older
- are pregnant or have recently given birth
- take the pill or hormone replacement
- smoke tobacco.
You can reduce your chance of another DVT by:
- avoiding sitting for long periods of time
- not smoking
- getting regular physical activity
- aiming for a healthy weight.
When travelling long distances (more than 4 hours) by plane, car or train:
- take short walks whenever possible
- exercise your calf muscles every half hour, for example, by raising and lowering your feet with heels and then toes on the ground
- drink fluids to keep from getting dehydrated
- do not drink too much alcohol
- consider wearing compression stockings.