Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may not be on your mind, but it should be. This serious condition occurs when blood clots block one of the deep veins, typically in the legs.
DVT can cause pain, swelling, and skin discoloration, but what makes it truly dangerous is what can happen if a clot breaks loose and causes a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung).
Pulmonary embolism is the third most frequent cardiovascular-related cause of death behind coronary artery disease and stroke, yet most people are far less familiar with the condition. At Vascular Surgery Associates, we want to help you understand DVT — what causes it, why it’s so risky, and how we can help keep you safe.
DVT occurs when blood forms one or more clots in the deeper veins in your body. It most commonly affects the lower legs or thighs, but can develop in other areas.
These clots block normal blood flow, leading to pain and swelling. Without medical intervention, a piece of the clot could detach itself and travel to your lungs, causing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
DVT doesn’t always come with obvious symptoms, but here are some signs to watch for:
If you notice these symptoms — especially if they come on suddenly — it’s vital to seek medical help immediately.
Anyone can get a DVT, but several things raise your risk significantly, including:
People recovering from surgery are also at higher risk of blood clots. That’s why preventive care is so critical before and after procedures.
The most significant danger of DVT is if the blood clot reaches your lungs and causes a pulmonary embolism, blocking blood flow and reducing oxygen levels in your body. Symptoms include:
A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if you experience these symptoms.
In addition to the risk of embolism, DVT can also cause long-term complications like ulcers and chronic leg pain. Up to 50% of people develop post-thrombotic syndrome after having a DVT, which causes swelling, pain, discoloration, and scaly skin in the affected limb.
If we suspect you have DVT, we begin a complete diagnostic consultation. One of the most common tools we use is a vascular ultrasound. This painless, noninvasive test lets us see how blood flows through your veins and spot any clots. Additional imaging or blood tests can confirm the diagnosis or check for signs of a pulmonary embolism.
If you have DVT, treatment focuses on preventing the clot from growing or traveling to the lungs. Treatment options may include:
Anticoagulant medications reduce the chance of new clots forming and help prevent complications.
These improve blood flow, help reduce leg swelling, and lower the risk of long-term damage.
Sometimes, we may use medications that we introduce directly into the vein to dissolve the clot.
Surgery may be necessary to remove a large or dangerous clot in rare cases.
Once you’ve recovered from DVT, our team may recommend long-term monitoring or follow-up care, especially if you have peripheral vascular disease or other risk factors.
Many cases of DVT are preventable with simple lifestyle changes and medical care. Here are our tips:
Our team can create a DVT prevention plan for you if you’re at risk.
DVT isn’t the only condition that can affect your legs. Issues like spider veins, varicose veins, and ulcers may also cause leg or ankle discoloration. We offer advanced treatments like sclerotherapy to treat varicose veins and improve blood flow. It’s all part of our commitment to keeping your vascular system healthy.
Deep vein thrombosis is serious, but with the proper care, it’s treatable. If you’re experiencing symptoms like leg pain, leg swelling, or unusual skin discoloration, don’t wait. Schedule a diagnostic consultation with the Vascular Surgery Associates team today by phone or online.
