Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT for short, is a commonly underdiagnosed medical condition that can have serious consequences, including disability and death. But, the good news is, it’s preventable when treated early and effectively. One of the best ways to do this is to book an ultrasound in Hialeah. This way, you’ll be on the right path to healing from this condition.
In this article on deep vein thrombosis, you’ll learn about the DVT risk factors, the most common symptoms, prevention methods, and more. We also answer the common question, “can DVT cause stroke?”.
If this sparked your interest, read on for the facts and professional advice.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
In essence, deep vein thrombosis happens when a blood clot develops in the person’s deep vein. Typically, these clots occur in the thigh, the lower leg, the pelvis, or even in the patient’s arm.
When it comes to thromboembolic diseases, it’s also vital to mention venous thromboembolism or VTE. One mustn’t confuse DVT and VTE, as the latter is a condition that includes pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. When a patient has pulmonary embolism or PE, a blood clot has developed in a blood vessel, typically in the leg. The blood vessel continues to travel to an artery in the lung, where it abrupts blood flow.
As mentioned earlier, thromboembolic diseases can happen to anyone. However, some people, such as patients over 60, the obese, and individuals with an acute medical illness, are at higher risk of thromboembolic diseases.
Signs You Have DVT
Certain signs and symptoms can hint at this serious medical condition. Before self-diagnosis and self-treatment, make sure to reach out to a healthcare expert at a reliable clinic. Some common signs you may have deep vein thrombosis include:
- Swelling in one or both legs (the latter is rarer)
- Pain in the legs (Typically beginning from the calf, and one may mistake it for cramping)
- The skin on your leg is discolored or red
- A warm sensation in the affected area
Possible Deep Vein Thrombosis Complications
When a person develops pulmonary embolism (PE) as a result of DVT, major complications arise. The good news is that if the clot is tiny and the patient receives adequate treatment, they may recover from pulmonary embolism. For reference, if you are in the area or you are looking for a reliable doctor at the Medical Center in Hialeah, we’ve got you covered.
Now, if the clot is large, it can prevent blood from flowing to the lungs. This in turn, can lead to death.
Besides that, patients with thromboembolic diseases can have long-term complications due to the damage to the valves in the vein caused by the clots (this condition is called post-thrombotic syndrome). Some common symptoms of patients with post-thrombotic syndrome or PTS include discoloration, pain, swelling, ulcers, and scaling. Sometimes these symptoms get worse, leading to disability.
In some cases, thromboembolic diseases are chronic medical illnesses. Statistics reveal that 30% of patients who have had a PE or DVT have a high chance of recurring episodes.
Can DVT Cause Stroke?
No, deep vein thrombosis does not cause a stroke or a heart attack. For clarity, it’s essential to differentiate between the two key types of blood clots. How a clot will affect a patient will depend on where the clot forms in the body and its type. These two blood clot types include:
- Arterial thrombosis is a clot in an artery, typically in the brain or the heart. A patient with this type of clot can suffer from a stroke or a heart attack.
- Deep vein thrombosis refers to the formation of a clot in a deep vein of the arm, pelvis, and/or leg. This type will not lead to a stroke or a heart attack.
Hopefully, this made the answer to “can DVT cause stroke” more transparent. With that in mind, both blood clots can cause serious medical problems.
Common DVT Risk Factors
Nearly everyone can have deep vein thrombosis. However, specific factors can boost a person’s chances of dealing with this serious medical condition. The chances increase additionally for a person who has multiple risk factors simultaneously. The most common DVT risk factors are:
- Slow blood flow due to limited movement, confinement to the bed, sitting for an extended period (especially when the legs are crossed), and paralysis.
- Vein injury due to undergoing a major surgical procedure (that involves the legs, hips, pelvis, and abdomen), serious muscle injury, and fractures.
- Increased estrogen levels due to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), birth control pills, and pregnancy (for a maximum of 3 months post-birth).
Certain chronic diseases such as lung disease, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer can boost a person’s risk of DVT. Other DVT risk factors include age (chances of DVT increase after 60), family history of the illness, obesity, inherited clotting illnesses, and a catheter in a central vein.
The Best Ways to Diagnose DVT
Early DVT diagnosis is crucial for proper treatment and successful recovery. Your healthcare specialist will ask you a few questions about your symptoms to diagnose this condition. You will also undergo a physical exam for any possible tenderness, swelling, or discoloration. Some standard tests used for DVT diagnosis include:
- Venography
- Magnetic resonance imaging scan (or MRI)
- D-dimer blood test
- Doppler ultrasound
The Doppler ultrasound specifically is an excellent way to do this. This is a non-invasive test that can help diagnose a variety of medical conditions such as:
- Peripheral artery disease or decreased blood circulation in the legs
- Aneurysms or bulging arteries
- Poorly functioning valves in the leg veins
- Arterial occlusion or blocked artery
- Blood clots
What can you expect during a Doppler ultrasound? In brief, an expert in ultrasound imaging (or a sonographer) will press a hand-held device or a transducer against the patient’s skin over the examined area of the body. A Doppler ultrasound test can also help healthcare specialists monitor specific treatments to the arteries and the veins.
How Can I Prevent DVT?
Fortunately, there are certain things you can do today to lower your risk of DVT. Here are some expert tips and tricks to ward off this medical illness from occurring:
- Move around frequently to get the blood flowing
- Try to move around as soon as you can post bed confinement (due to an injury, illness, surgery, etc.)
- Try to stretch and walk around on your lunch breaks (especially if you have a desk job)
- Exercise your legs when you are sitting by tightening and releasing the muscles in your legs
- Avoid tight clothing and go for a looser fit
- Maintain a healthy weight or lose excess body fat
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle
- Stick to the recommendations of a professional
Book an Appointment with Us Now
If you suspect you have DVT or any complications, you may feel confused and scared. Luckily, our team of professionals with years of expertise is here to help. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment with one of our experts today. You matter; your health matters.
