Deep Vein Thrombosis And Its Facts

Deep vein thrombosis can manifest itself in a sudden onset of pain in the calf or thigh muscle with one calf swollen to round an inch greater than the other car muscle. If you identify freshly swollen veins in a painful limb this can also be a sign of DVT and in either of these cases you should seek medical advice immediately.

Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition defined by a blood clot, or thrombus, forming in a deep vein. Commonly affecting the leg veins, such as the femoral, popliteal, or the deep veins of the pelvic region, DVT can prove fatal if the clot comes loose, makes its way into the blood, and enters the heart.

There are other factors that contribute to a person’s risk of having deep vein thrombosis. Factors such as age must be considered because those who are above sixty are at a higher risk. Being immovable for a long time like in a plain ride is also dangerous. If you have a family member who has the condition of increased blood clotting or you are pregnant or overweight or having various spider webs of varicose veins on your legs.

A person who is inactive for an extended period of time is at increased risk of DVT. This can happen during a long airline flight, while wearing a cast, following surgery and even when in the hospital for another condition. Other risk factors include:

* Varicose veins

* Blood clotting disorders

* Family history of DVT or clotting disorders

* Heart disease

* Obesity

* Chronic leg swelling

* Dehydration

* Birth Control Pills containing estrogen

* Hormone replacement therapy

* Pregnancy/recent childbirth

* Smoking

Causes:

While recent research shows that various factors prove to put a person at risk for DVT, a more common cause for deep vein thrombosis is inactivity. The less you move, the slower your blood circulates, thereby increasing the chances for clots to form. Business travelers, people who spend long hours in cramped airplane seats or in cars, and people confined to wheelchairs are especially at risk if they are unable to regularly circulate the blood in their legs.

Symptoms include leg pain or swelling, tenderness of leg tissue, increased leg warmth and increase in redness. This most likely occurs only in one leg or extremity. Symptoms of DVT may include varicose veins, tenderness, pain, swelling, and redness in the affected limb. Other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms include skin infections in particular, and muscle strains.

Deep vein thrombosis happens when a blood clot forms in the lower leg. If the clot breaks off, it may travel to the lungs. That can then be fatal. If you have symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in a leg, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.

STRAIGHTEN UP AND FLY RIGHT

Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of a DVT:

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration before and during your trip.

• Try to keep your thighs clear of the edge of your seat.

• Wear loose fitting clothing.

• Keep the legs uncrossed.