Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT is a relatively common condition that is found to affect lots of people, even though it occurs quite frequently, there is the possibility of serious complications if the condition isn't amended with DVT treatment. So have a read through how you can protect yourself and how Dr. Ling can help.
If you have any concerns about developing DVT, one of the best things you can do is take a look at what preventative measures you can take to prevent yourself from developing the condition at all. In some situations it is purely a disposition for DVT that causes it, but there is no harm in taking these additional steps to promote your vascular health.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
DVT is a blood clot in the deep veins of the body. These veins are unlike the ones that you can see through your skin as they exist so deeply in the body that they are unable to be seen from the outside. Thrombosis - or clotting - can take place in any of the veins of the body but is most frequent in the legs.
Many patients with DVT won't even notice any symptoms. This is something that doctors call a ‘silent DVT’ which unfortunately makes it difficult for patients to know that the DVT was even present in their body. This means that they don’t often seek DVT treatment.
When symptomatic, a Deep Vein Thrombosis may result in:
Pain and swelling in the affected leg, particularly in the calf.
Skin on the calf may be slightly red and tender.
The severity of these symptoms can vary widely between patients with some barely noticing the issue and it being near debilitating in others. Many other unrelated disorders can also cause similar symptoms, so it is difficult to diagnose DVT from the above symptoms alone. It’s always a good idea to speak with a vascular surgeon near me if you have any concerns, even if it turns out to be nothing.
It’s very important to get the symptoms of DVT investigated as a DVT has the potential to dislodge and travel to the lung, this can be life threatening so the DVT must be treated early. The blood clot can also destroy the valves in the vein where it resides. This can lead to 'post-thrombotic syndrome' which comes with its own host of issues, such as chronic pain and swelling and venous ulcers.
Preventative Measures
There are several factors that can contribute to the likelihood of you developing a deep vein thrombosis. While avoiding them will not necessarily eliminate all possibility of one developing, it will help to minimise the risk.
General Health: Taking care of your vascular system is the same as taking care of the rest of your body. Staying active, eating well and avoiding smoking are great ways to minimise the risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis. So try to put some extra care into looking after yourself to avoid a number of vascular issues.
Avoiding a Sedentary lifestyle: A lack of movement is associated with reduced muscle contractions in the leg, which can slow blood flow, resulting in clotting. Patients who are on long-term bed rest or are recovering from surgery are also at risk of developing DVT because of this reason. It’s best to make sure that you aren't sitting still for long periods of time wherever possible, make sure to stand up and walk around a few times a day if you are sitting at work, or invest in a standing desk to provide your body some variety.
Additionally, important risk factors for DVT are:
Dehydration
Thrombophilias (blood disorders that make clotting more likely)
Being over 40 years old
Pregnancy
Cancer
Hormone therapy (Such as HRT or the contraceptive pill)
While these are factors that cannot be avoided, keeping note of what may increase your risk of developing DVT does mean that you can keep an eye out for any symptoms and get in contact with a vascular surgeon in Melbourne as soon as you believe you may be at risk. Maintaining your general health can also prevent the condition from developing even if these risk factors are at play.
DVT Treatment Options
A DVT can be treated with medications that thin the blood but do not dissolve the clot. Alternatively, for deep vein thrombosis treatment, a medication designed to eliminate the clot can be injected directly into the vein. This is done using minimally invasive techniques.
Filter Insertion
For some patients, it might be dangerous to proceed with an anticoagulant medication treatment. For these patients, filter insertion is an alternative treatment specifically used to protect those unable to proceed with the regular treatment. Filter insertion involves the insertion of a small metallic sieve into the major vein in the leg and torso to make sure the blood clot from the DVT does not reach the lung.
Venous surgery
Surgery to remove venous thrombus is not commonly done. There are minimally invasive techniques that use a special suction catheter and clot-busting medication that work more effectively.
Before proceeding with any treatment, Dr. Ling will discuss which DVT treatment option is best suited for your particular circumstance. Every patient is going to be different and different options may be best for them.
If you have any questions or concerns about your vascular health and are searching for a ‘vascular surgeon near me’, get in contact with Dr. Adrian Ling of Vein Artery Specialist and be sure that your treatment will be in safe hands.
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