Warning Signs Of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Surface Vein Distention

Individuals affected by deep vein thrombosis may experience surface vein distention. Veins, by definition, are tubular structures in the body that contain a set of valves that function to push blood in one direction. Veins are responsible for returning oxygen-poor blood from tissues around the body back to the heart for oxygenation. Several mechanisms can influence the function of the veins, including a lodged blood clot. When a blood clot forms in the smaller veins closer to the surface of the skin, surface vein distention occurs.

The blood clot stops the flow of blood in the small vessel back to the heart. This results in cellular damage because the accumulation of oxygen-poor blood in the vein causes a backup that does not allow oxygenated blood to reach the cells. The immune system then summons an influx of specialized proteins, fluids, and white blood cells to the site of the damage. This inflammatory response causes the area around the obstructed vein to become visibly swollen, tender, painful, and red-colored through the surface of the skin. Smaller clots are more likely to form in smaller veins in individuals who have deep vein thrombosis. This is caused by a mechanism that allows for the abnormal formation of multiple clots, rather than just one large clot.