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!