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Health > Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) are blood clots
(thrombus’s) that develop in a deep vein usually
located in your lower leg. Deep vein thrombosis can
cause minor to severe pain in the leg and can
potentially lead to serious complications. Deep Vein
Thrombosis usually occurs in the leg but can occur
in other areas of the body such as the arms.
In 90% of cases, the clots that form are too small
to cause any symptoms. Our body is an amazing tool
and is able to gradually break down the clots and
luckily there will be no long term effects. However,
if a large clot is formed it may partially or
totally block the blood flow in the vein and can
cause symptoms such as swelling in the calf, pain in
the calf, and calf pain that is noticeable or worse
when standing or walking. Unfortunately there isn’t
always a sign of Deep Vein Thrombosis, but if you
experience them you should seek medical advice
immediately.
Deep Vein Thrombosis can be caused by a vein that
has been damaged or if the blood flow to your lower
region stops. There are a few risk factors that make
Deep Vein Thrombosis more likely to occur and these
include: pregnancy, age (over 40 are at greater
risk), past history, family history, obesity,
immobility, cancer, birth control, hormone
replacement therapy and recent surgery.
Treatments for Deep Vein Thrombosis aim to prevent
the clot from becoming larger, the clot from
breaking free of the leg and traveling to the lungs,
new clots from forming and post-thrombotic syndrome
There are a few treatment options for DVT however;
Anticoagulant medicines are the most common
treatment. Anticoagulants alter certain chemicals in
your bloodstream that will stop clots form forming
so easily.
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