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Symptoms -

Common DVT symptoms include leg swelling, pain, cramping, and soreness, change in skin color, and warmth in the affected area. Do note that DVT can also occur without noticeable symptoms.

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When to see a doctor -

If you develop any of the aforementioned symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

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Causes -

The main causes of DVT are damage to a vein from surgery or inflammation, and also damage due to infection or injury. However, anything that prevents the blood from flowing or properly clotting can cause a blood clot.

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Risk factors -

Many things can increase the risk of developing DVT. The more risk factors you have, the greater the risk.

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Age -

Being older than 60 increases the risk of DVT. But it can occur at any age.

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Lack of movement -

When the legs don't move for a long time, the calf muscles don't contract. Muscle contractions help blood flow. Sitting or laying down for a long time increases the risk of DVT.

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Injury or surgery -

Injury to the veins or surgery can increase the risk of blood clots.

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Pregnancy -

As pregnancy increases the pressure in the veins in the pelvis and legs, DVT is a risk. The risk of blood clots from pregnancy can continue for up to six weeks after a baby is born.

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Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy -

Both birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can increase the blood's ability to clot.

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Being overweight or obese -

Being overweight increases the pressure in the veins in the pelvis and legs.

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Smoking -

Smoking affects how blood flows, which can increase the risk of DVT.

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Cancer -

Some cancers increase substances in the blood that cause the blood to clot. The same goes for some cancer treatments.

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Heart failure -

Heart failure increases the risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism.

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Inflammatory bowel disease -

Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis increase the risk of DVT.

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Family history -

If you or someone in your family has had DVT, you might be at greater risk of developing it. Sometimes a blood clot can occur with no identifiable risk factor. This is called an unprovoked VTE.

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Complications -

Unfortunately, some complications can occur following a DVT.

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Pulmonary embolism (PE) -

PE is a potentially life-threatening complication associated with DVT. It occurs when a blood clot in the leg or other area of the body gets stuck in a blood vessel in a lung. Symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, and coughing up blood.

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Post-phlebitic syndrome -

Damage to the veins from the blood clot reduces blood flow in the affected areas. Symptoms include leg pain and swelling, skin color changes, and skin sores.

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Treatment complications -

Blood thinners are often used to treat DVT, however hemorrhage is a worrisome side effect. It's important to have regular blood tests done while taking blood-thinning drugs.

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Prevention -

Luckily, even if you're at risk, you can take steps to prevent DVT. Lifestyle changes are major factors.

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Avoid sitting for long periods of time while traveling -

No matter your mode of transportation, it's important to stand up and stretch every once in a while when you're taking a long trip.

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The same goes for when you're not traveling -

Avoid sitting for a long period of time in everyday life, too. Get up to stretch periodically while you’re working or watching TV.

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Stay hydrated -

Dehydration is a significant risk factor for DVT, so make sure you're drinking enough water. Keep in mind that alcohol and large quantities of caffeinated beverages can increase dehydration.

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Wear compression stockings - Wear knee-high compression stockings. These minimize leg pain and swelling by at least 50% if you wear them daily.

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Stop smoking -

Smoking affects blood clotting and circulation, which in turn increases the risk of DVT. If you're a smoker, the best thing you can do is to stop.

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Maintain a healthy weight -

Obesity is a risk factor for DVT. But regular exercise and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle lowers the risk. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.

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Keep up with meds on your vacation -

When you take a well-deserved vacation from your daily routine, make sure you don't take a break from your medications!

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Keep moving if you're pregnant -

When you're pregnant, certain changes that occur in your body reduce blood flow and make your blood more likely to clot. Therefore, it's important to keep moving.

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Check your blood pressure -

Check your blood pressure at least once a year, or more often if your doctor says so.

Sources: (CDC) (Everyday Health) (Mayo Clinic)

See also: The health risks of each blood type

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