Deep Vein Thrombosis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment

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Deep Vein Thrombosis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Understanding

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein. The most common location for DVT is the veins in the thighs or legs, although they can be found on other parts of the body.

Reason

Several things can cause Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or the formation of blood clots, such as:

  • slow blood flow. This is related to being immobilized for a long time, for example, when on a long trip or on bed rest for a long period of time.
  • Damage to the inner lining of the veins. This can be caused by physical, biological, or chemical factors. For example in inflammatory processes, immune system responses, or in surgical conditions.
  • Blood conditions that are thick or easy to clot. This can be found, for example, in patients with polycythemia vera (a disease of excess blood, occurs when the bone marrow produces excessive amounts of red blood cells), dehydration, hormone use, and others.

Symptoms

Those with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) problems generally experience several symptoms, such as:

  • pain, usually when standing or walking
  • swelling on one side of the leg
  • the skin feels hot and looks red in the DVT area

A blood clot/thrombus in the DVT area can be released and travel through the blood vessels and then block it, this is called an embolism. Pulmonary Embolism is one of the complications that can occur in DVT problems.

Pulmonary emboli are emboli that block arteries in the lungs. This condition can cause damage to the lungs or other organs, even causing death.

Diagnosis

To determine the diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis  (DVT), apart from collecting information about the patient and carrying out a physical examination, there are several types of examinations that can help, namely:

  • D-dimer. This is a blood test to check the part of the thrombus that is dissolving in the bloodstream. The higher the D-dimer result, the stronger it leads to a strong suspicion of a blood clot.
  • Ultrasound, which is an examination performed to determine blood clots in the veins. A special examination with a Doppler can see blood flow so that it can be determined whether the flow is smooth or has been interrupted.
  • Venogram, namely radiological examination with a contrast solution. Special ink will be inserted into the vein and then travel up the leg and capture the image using X-rays.

Treatment

There are several treatment techniques that are usually used to treat Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), such as:

  • Drug therapy:
    • Anticoagulants: also known as blood thinners. Serves to prevent blood from clotting and becoming a thrombus or blood clot, but cannot break up a thrombus that has already formed. For example warfarin, heparin, etc
    • Thrombolytic: serves to break down the thrombus that has formed. For example: alteplase
  • Surgery: thrombus rupture by catheterization, thrombectomy, angioplasty, venous stents, and use of vena cava filters.
  • The use of stockings: the use of graduated compression stockings that can create pressure that causes the blood to continue to move so that it does not stasis and create a thrombus. The use of these socks also helps relieve swelling in the legs

Prevention

In general, the following things can be done as an effort to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis  (DVT), such as:

  • stop smoking
  • exercising regularly
  • maintain a healthy and balanced diet
  • maintain an ideal weight

Those with the following risk factors also need to be more careful about the appearance of DVT, namely:

  • have a previous history of DVT
  • have a family history of blood clots
  • are in conditions that make the blood thick or clot easily, for example those who use hormonal contraception or have blood diseases
  • injuries to deep veins, for example during surgery, broken bones, or other trauma
  • immobilization, for example when on a long trip or bed rest for a long time
  • pregnancy and puerperium
  • get treatment for cancer
  • age > 60 years
  • obesity
  • smoking

Those with these risk factors should routinely consult a doctor so they can undergo a thorough evaluation. If you are going on a long trip, don’t forget to move at least once an hour and avoid wearing tight clothes. Make sure you drink enough water. If needed, your doctor will advise you to use compression stockings or an anticoagulant before going on a long trip.

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