Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

A Guide to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Varicose veins are often seen as a cosmetic issue. In reality, they aren’t something to ignore. Over time, these bulging, branch-like veins can increase your risk of developing conditions that can have a more serious impact on your health — such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

At Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center, we’re here to address any concerns about varicose veins, including your risk of deep vein thrombosis. In this DVT question and answer, learn more about this serious health concern from the best vascular surgeons in Orlando.

What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis is the medical term for a blood clot. These often form when blood is moving too slowly through your veins. DVT most often forms in your lower legs, thighs, or pelvis.

DVT can happen to anyone from any background. This condition can cause disability, illness, or in serious cases, death. That’s why it’s so important to discover deep vein thrombosis as early as possible. DVT is preventable and treatable. 

Is DVT Linked to Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins form when valves in your veins are damaged or weakened, making them less capable of pushing blood upward through the leg. As blood pools in the vein, and as a result, a varicose vein is formed — a perfect environment for a blood clot to form. The blood flow in varicose veins is slow, discoordinated, and is susceptible to clotting.  Once you develop a clot in a varicose vein, it can extend into the deep veins.

You should speak to a doctor immediately if you think you may have a blood clot. They often come coupled with the following symptoms:

• Sudden pain or swelling in your leg
• Pain when you stand or walk that often starts as a cramping sensation in your calf
• A painful, warm area develops in your leg
• Skin is red or discolored

When Should I Seek Medical Attention?

Deep vein thrombosis should be taken very seriously. If left untreated, the clot can break free from where it formed and be carried through the bloodstream to your lung. This condition, called a pulmonary embolism (PE), can be fatal. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Any difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Increased heart rate
• Feelings of lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

What Causes Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Varicose veins can be a contributing factor to deep vein thrombosis. However, there are a variety of risk factors to be mindful of. Your risk of DVT increases when you experience more than one of these potential causes simultaneously.

Causes of DVT could include:

• Prolonged sitting: Whether it’s for work or travel, sitting for too long can seriously impact the blood flow in your legs. Make sure to take time to move throughout the day if sitting for extended periods of time is part of your routine.
• Extended bed rest: Bed rest is common for recovering from an illness or injury, but the lack of movement in the leg can cause blood flow to be sluggish and susceptible to clotting.  This creates an imbalance for your circulation.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, clotting factors increase, making pregnancy a state where clots are more likely to form, also known as a hypercoagulable state. Being pregnant puts excess pressure on the lower legs and pelvis. This can lead to varicose veins and increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis.
• Obesity: Being overweight can also put more pressure on your veins, decreasing flow in the veins, leading to sluggish flow increasing your risk of clotting.
• Smoking: People that smoke are also in a state where clots are more likely to form. Clotting factors are increased in the blood promoting DVT. We’ve all heard about the dangers of smoking for your overall health. An increased risk of blood clots is just one of the many dangers.
• Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy: These changes in hormones can increase your risk of clotting.
• Family history: Blood clots can be familial or genetic because of an increased thickness of the blood with deficiencies of some blood factors that prevent clotting. Be mindful of your own family’s vein health. You may be at a higher risk if you have a family member who has experienced blood clots.

Pictures Of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Can I Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis?

The best way to avoid deep vein thrombosis is to prevent blood clots from happening in the first place. Here are some lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of DVT:

• Move your legs after surgery or bed rest.
• Don’t cross your legs while sitting.
• When traveling, stand or walk occasionally.
• If you sit for long periods of time, take frequent stretch and walking breaks.
• During pregnancy, try to walk or move frequently.
• Don’t smoke.
• Stay active and exercise.
• Manage your weight.

What Are the Treatment Options for DVT?

If your doctor discovers deep vein thrombosis, the next step will be treatment. Our highly skilled vascular surgeons have three main goals in DVT treatment:

• Prevent the blood clot from growing.
• Prevent the clot from breaking loose and causing a pulmonary embolism.
• Reduce your risk of future DVTs. 

Depending on your unique condition, our team may take a variety of treatment approaches. Some of the most common DVT treatments include:

• Compression stockings: These specialized socks help prevent blood from pooling in the legs and reduce swelling.
• Medication: Blood thinners can prevent blood clots from enlarging and reduce your risk of developing more blood clots. Clot busters may also be recommended for more serious forms of DVT.
• Filters: When medication is not an option, a filter is a small device placed into a large vein to prevent clots from breaking loose and traveling into the lungs.
• Surgery: In severe cases, your doctor may recommend removing the blood clot surgically.

Additional Deep Vein Thrombosis Resources

• DVT: The Hidden Danger of Varicose Veins
• DVT After Undergoing Surgery
• How to Prevent DVT While Traveling
• Reduce the Risk of DVT
• DVT and Pulmonary Embolism

Connect with a DVT Specialist in Central Florida

Don’t wait to see a specialist if you have concerns about your vein health. DVT is treatable, but early detection is key.

The best vascular surgeons in Orlando at Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center are here to help your veins be as healthy as possible. If you have vein concerns, you can schedule a consultation with our specialists by calling 407-545-3385 or 352-658-5547 today.

*Reviewed by John D. Horowitz, MD, FACS