Deep Vein Thrombosis: Symptoms And Causes

Deep vein thrombosis, also referred to as DVT, is a serious and incredibly threatening medication condition involving blood clots. It occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins in the body. Deep vein thrombosis appears the most often in the lower legs, however, patients may still find that it occurs in their pelvis or thighs. If the blood clot makes its way through the deep veins and reaches the lungs, this condition can be fatal.

There are several risk factors for the development of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. One serious risk factor is when individuals have to lay or sit down for a long time, such as when recovering from surgery or on a long flight. Pregnant women are also at a high risk of developing deep vein thrombosis because of the pressure in their legs. This also applies to overweight individuals.

Deep vein thrombosis leg treatment, or treatment when it appears in other deep veins in the body, is vital. In many cases, doctors prescribe blood thinners to prevent blood clots from growing. This keeps them under control. Compression socks are also a treatment option to keep blood from pooling in the legs. Clot-busting medication is particularly essential to treat deep vein thrombosis, as it is intended to break up the clot and prevent it from getting to the lungs.

Leg Cramps

Leg cramps are a strong indicator that there is a blood clot in an individual’s lower leg. This is, as stated, the most common location for deep vein thrombosis to occur. When a leg cramp is a warning sign of this condition, it usually only occurs in one leg, not both. Before being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, patients must be sure they are not suffering from other injuries.

The leg cramps that appear due to deep vein thrombosis typically start with only mild pain. However, this pain can turn quite severe in only a few hours. Some patients have even said they cannot even stand a bedsheet or soft blanket touching their affected leg due to the pain. Foot and ankle pain may also occur alongside leg cramps due to deep vein thrombosis.

Get the details on one of the only visible symptoms of deep vein thrombosis next.

Skin Discoloration

One of the early warning signs of deep vein thrombosis is skin discoloration on the leg. Discolored skin can take a few different forms in this condition. In some cases, the skin in the affected area may look paler than the skin that surrounds it. A lack of circulation may result in a red to blue skin discoloration as well. In either case, the skin discoloration is one of the only visible warning signs of deep vein thrombosis. Patients will, therefore, need to keep a close eye on any changes in discolored areas of skin, especially on their legs. Making notes and taking photos to share with a doctor can be helpful when assessing how severe their condition is.

Uncover information on how skin temperature can indicate deep vein thrombosis next.

Abnormal Skin Warmth

Patients should keep an eye on the temperature of their skin even before seeing a doctor so they can provide as much information as possible. They must not apply any cool compresses to the warm areas, since this can make it harder for the doctor to determine how serious the patient’s deep vein thrombosis actually is.

Doctors will often begin a patient’s examination for deep vein thrombosis by checking for abnormal skin warmth in the affected area. This is usually done by comparing the affected leg’s temperature to the unaffected leg’s temperature. They may also check the other side of the patient’s pelvis and compare temperatures there. If they do detect abnormal skin warmth, doctors may order an ultrasound of the area to assess the circulation and get more accurate information on the potential presence of a blood clot.

Discover another visible symptom linked to deep vein thrombosis next.

Surface Vein Distension

Surface vein distension is one of the only visible symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, much like the skin discoloration patients may experience. However, it is less common because it depends on the type of deep vein thrombosis someone is experiencing. This is because surface vein distention requires blood clots to form in the surface veins for the obstructed vein to become visible through the skin. This will usually appear red. It will be quite swollen and tender as well. Deep vein thrombosis most often causes this distention when it is the result of multiple clots, not just one larger one. This makes it more likely for clots to form in the surface veins as well as the deep veins.

Get the details on later warning signs of deep vein thrombosis next.

Shortness Of Breath

Shortness of breath may indicate the blood clot in a patient’s deep vein thrombosis has begun to make its way to the lungs. Patients will often feel like they cannot catch their breath and are not getting enough air. When deep vein thrombosis is suspected, patients will often also deal with sharp pain when they breathe in, chest pain, as well as anxiety, fatigue, wheezing, and coughing. When concerned about deep vein thrombosis and the potential for pulmonary embolism, doctors will carefully evaluate the patient’s respiration rate. The patient will likely have to get an electrocardiogram monitor so the doctor gets a record of their breathing and heart activity.

Uncover how an individual's pulse can signal deep vein thrombosis next.

Rapid Pulse

A rapid pulse is another serious warning sign of deep vein thrombosis. It is particularly concerning since it also indicates the blood clot in the deep vein has broken off and is currently traveling to the patient’s lungs. In addition to this, the increased pulse may even indicate the blood clot has lodged itself in the lungs. This is because when a blood clot lodges in the lungs, it reduces blood flow through this area. As a result of insufficient blood flow, blood cannot go through the appropriate oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. This causes oxygen-poor blood, and it forces the heart to work harder. The harder the heart works, the faster the patient’s pulse is going to be.

Continue reading to reveal more details of worrisome deep vein thrombosis symptoms now.

Dizziness And Lightheadedness

Dizziness and even lightheadedness, much like shortness of breath, are warning signs that a blood clot stemming from deep vein thrombosis has broken off. It could now be moving towards the lungs. These symptoms may even worsen and cause the patient to faint. When dealing with dizziness and lightheadedness, no matter what, patients need to avoid walking or performing any active tasks. They should sit down or lay down until the feeling passes. Additionally, patients should not wait to see a doctor if they are dealing with other symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. This is vital as dizziness if considered a later symptom of deep vein thrombosis. Emergency care is crucial at this point.

Get the full details on another unfortunate symptom of deep vein thrombosis next.

Coughing Up Blood

Deep vein thrombosis patients may end up coughing up blood. This occurs when they have sustained damage to their lungs, specifically the internal tissues. In deep vein thrombosis, this is the result of the blood clot in the deep vein breaking off and traveling to the lungs, It causes damage to the blood vessels it travels through. The damage may be the result of the blood clot passing through these vessels, or because of obstructed blood flow to the lungs. The damage causes the vessels to leak blood, which patients will then cough up this blood to get it out of their body.

Find out about a serious warning sign and complication of deep vein thrombosis next.

Pulmonary Embolism

Deep vein thrombosis patients must always be aware of the risk of the blood clot breaking off, traveling to the lungs, and causing a pulmonary embolism. If the clot is small and only causes a partial blockage, it will likely only cause lung damage but not result in the patient’s death. However, a large blood clot is likely fatal. The symptoms of deep vein thrombosis that indicate the blood clot has broken off have already been discussed. They include shortness of breath, coughing up blood, a rapid pulse, as well as lightheadedness and dizziness. Patients should also watch out for excessive sweating, fever, and clammy skin. Cyanosis is also a serious concern here. When any of these warning signs appear, deep vein thrombosis patients require emergency medical care.