What is DVT and why is it such a potentially life threatening phenomenon? DVT is a condition where clots are formed in the deep veins of the leg or thigh.  These clots are potentially life threatening because they can travel from their area of origin to the lungs, creating a PE (pulmonary embolus), which is potentially fatal and a medical emergency.

SOME FACTORS THAT INCREASE YOUR RISK OF CLOT FORMATION

• certain inherited coagulation disorders predispose some people to the formation of clots
• prolonged periods of bed rest seen with some nursing home patients or with long hospital stay, paralyzed people, and long distance travelling (commonly done by tennis players)
• injury or surgery
• pregnancy
• being overweight
• smoking

SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF DVT

• pain or swelling of the affected leg
• the skin of the affected leg may be warm
• discoloration of the skin on the affected leg

Contact your primary physician immediately if you suspect you have a DVT.

SYMPTOMS OF A PULMONARY EMBOLUS

• unexplained shortness of breath (due to compromised oxygenation) and rapid breathing (tachypnea)
• rapid heart rate
• chest pain that worsens when you take a deep breath or cough
• coughing up blood
• light-headedness or fainting
• sweating

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should call 911 immediately.  Do not delay as your survival is directly related to how soon you receive treatment.

TESTING MAY INCLUDE

• Ultrasound to check for obvious clots
• Blood test to check for D dimer
• Venogram (is a more invasive test than the ultrasound)
• CT or MRI scans

TREATMENT OF DVT

• Anticoagulants (aka: blood thinners), which decreases your blood’s ability to form more clots
• Thrombolytic agents can be used to break up clots
• Insertion of a filter to trap clots and prevent them from traveling to the lungs
• Compression stockings to help increase circulation and prevent stasis