Potential Causes Of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the result of a blood clot forming in the deep veins of the body. This is most often in the legs! Symptoms of DVT include leg cramps, discolored skin in the leg, as well as warmth and swelling in the leg. Signs outside the leg include dizziness, shortness of breath, a rapid pulse, and coughing up blood. DVT is a particularly dangerous condition because part of the clot can travel to the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism.

There are many options for treating deep vein thrombosis. Treatment for DVT in the leg often involved taking anti-clotting medication or blood thinners. DVT treatment, especially in the legs, also includes wearing compression socks. But why are these treatments needed? Find out what causes DVT now.

Blood Vessel Injury

Injuries are serious risk factors that contribute to the development of blood clots. This happens because the injury can cause damage to the blood vessels. Blood vessel damage often narrows or blocks blood flow through the vessels. The blood will often leak from the blood vessel and into the surrounding tissue. This blood is at a high risk of clotting, and when it does, it’s called a hematoma. It is when a clot like this travels to the deep veins of the body that DVT occurs. In many cases, however, taking blood-thinning medications is enough to break up the clotted blood and prevent this. Of course, the blood vessel damage still needs to be healed!

Reduced Activity And Mobility

Another major risk factor for the development of blood clots, particularly in the legs, is a reduced activity level and impaired mobility. These can occur in several ways and for many reasons. Consider flights as an example. There is a big reason why many recommend for flyers to get up and walk up and down the aisles every so often on a long flight. This is because sitting in the same position for an extended period increases the risk of blood clots. The blood flow in the legs will slow down in the sitting position and if left long enough, a clot will develop. Extended periods of bed rest also result in this effect!

Surgery

Surgery is a significant risk factor for deep vein thrombosis because one of the complications of it is the development of blood clots. This occurs for 2 major reasons! One is surgery can damage blood vessels, even in a small and seemingly harmless way. But as mentioned, damage to the blood vessels compromises blood. This impaired blood flow often triggers clot formation!

Surgery also carries the same level of risk as sitting on a plane during a long flight does. It always has a recovery time attached to it, and in the cases of major surgery, this recovery includes prolonged bed rest! The good news is if this bed rest is done in the hospital, nurses are on guard and help reduce the risk of clots in the legs by moving the patient. Patients at home will have to pay attention to this on their own. Of course, loved ones can help too!

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a risk factor for blood clots and thus, deep vein thrombosis, that’s exclusive to women. A woman’s blood is more likely to clot during her pregnancy for a few reasons. One of these is because, in the later stages of pregnancy, the weight of the baby and the woman’s body puts more pressure on her legs and pelvis. This compresses the blood vessels in these areas and compromises blood flow!

Additionally, bed rest is common during pregnancy, and if women are placed on complete bed rest, the immobility increases the risk of blood clots similar to how a long flight and surgery recovery does. Finally, a woman’s blood clots much easier when she is pregnant simply because her body is preparing for labor. Clotting blood more easily helps lessen blood loss during the baby’s delivery!

Obesity

Carrying excess weight on the body is yet another risk factor for the development of deep vein thrombosis. Obesity does this in a couple of ways. Similar to pregnancy, those who are obese will have extra pressure put on their pelvis and legs because of the weight. As mentioned, the extra pressure compresses the blood vessels in these areas. This is particularly dangerous because DVT is more common in the legs, and the pressure increases the risk of blood clots starting in this area. Additionally, obesity is often connected to a reduced level of physical activity, which means people spend more time in bed or on the couch. Yet again, prolonged immobility increases the risk of DVT!