Deep Vein Thrombosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Deep Vein Thrombosis (also known as DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein that is located deep in the venous system.  It can cause pain and swelling. Deep vein thrombosis can become complicated when a blood clot breaks off and goes to your lungs and heart through your bloodstream. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications from DVT.

Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of deep vein thrombosis.

Causes and Risk Factors of DVT

These factors may increase your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis:

• Any medical conditions that affect how your blood clots

• Sitting for long periods of time

• Family history of blood-clotting disorders

• Prolonged bed rest after surgery or an accident 

• If you are pregnant or just delivered a baby 

• Oral birth control

• Hormone replacement therapy

• Injury or surgery to your veins

• Obesity

• Smoking

• If you have health conditions such as cancer, lung disease, heart disease, and inflammatory bowel disease 

• If you are aged 60 above

Symptoms of DVT

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that 50% of people who have this condition do not experience any symptoms. However, the common symptoms of DVT include:

• Pain in an extremity

• A feeling of warmth in the affected limb

• Redness

• Swelling in the affected area

• Skin discoloration 

• Cramps

Treatment for DVT

Deep vein thrombosis treatment can prevent the blood clot from increasing in size, traveling to heart and lungs, and reduce your risk of developing new blood clots. DVT treatment options include:

Blood Thinners

First-line treatment is with blood thinners, also called anticoagulants. Blood thinners can be injected intravenously or taken as pills. These drugs decrease your blood’s ability to clot and prevent the existing blood clots from increasing in size, traveling to heart and lungs, and reduce your risk of developing new clots.

You will need to take these medications as instructed by your doctor. Also, you should inform your doctor if you are pregnant, so that they can recommend the best anticoagulant. 

Clot-Busters: Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis  

Your doctor may recommend clot busters if you:

1. Are at high risk for a pulmonary embolism (lungs blocked by a blood clot)
2. Have large extensive clots that cause severe pain and swelling 

Clot busters can quickly break up the blood clots, restore blood flow, and save the valves in the affected vein from further damage.  

Venous Thrombectomy 

If blood thinners or clot busters do not work, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove your blood clot. For this procedure, your doctor will make a small incision into your blood vessel to locate the clot and then remove it. 

Inferior Vena Cava Filter (IVC Filter)

IVC filter is a small metal device that catches blood clots and prevents them from moving to the lungs. This option is typically for those who cannot tolerate anticoagulation therapy. 

We are your trusted vascular clinic and vein center in Johns Creek, Roswell, Cumming, and Lawrenceville, GA so you can be assured you are receiving the best treatment for deep vein thrombosis. Call us today to schedule an appointment.