What is deep vein thrombosis, and how can you reduce your risk?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein. The blood clots may partially or completely block blood flow through your vein. Most DVTs happen in your lower legs, but they can also occur in other parts of your body, including your thighs or pelvis. A commonly occurring medical condition, these clots can break free and travel to major organs, such as your lungs, which can be very dangerous. Life factors such as pregnancy and long flights can increase your risk of DVT, but there are steps you can take to minimize it.

Want to know how? Then check out the following gallery to discover more.

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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.