Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis: Key Diagnosis in Detail

DVT Symptoms and Diagnosis: What You Need to Know

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is when a clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower limbs. It can prove fatal if that clot breaks loose and gets carried to the lungs, resulting in pulmonary embolism.

Knowing about the DVT symptoms can ensure timely medical intervention, as if left untreated, it can get worse.

Let’s explore DVT more, including its symptoms, causes, signs, diagnosis, and treatment approaches.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

DVT is the formation of a blood clot in any of the deep veins within the body, typically occurring in the lower legs. The blood clot, also known as a thrombus, obstructs blood flow, causing edema pain, among other DVT symptoms. It is caused by multiple factors that impair venous return, cause damage to or dysfunction of endothelial cells, or place a patient in a hypercoagulable state. 

It can be asymptomatic or cause pain and swelling in the extremities, with pulmonary embolism being a severe acute complication. The disease is most common in the lower extremities but may also occur in other body parts, though less often. 

If not treated, the clot can break loose and move to the lungs, where it causes a condition referred to as a pulmonary embolism, which may be fatal.

What are the Common DVT Signs and Symptoms?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) mainly occurs in veins located in the legs or arms. Sometimes, DVT symptoms seem very mild, as 30% of people experience no apparent symptoms. The common symptoms that appear with acute DVT include the following.

• Swelling in the arm or foot.
• Pain or soreness in the leg or arm, which often can be felt if one sits or stands.
• The affected area may also feel warmer than normal.
• The skin may turn red or discoloured.
• The veins near the skin surface might appear larger than usual.
• Pain in the abdomen or flank if clots hit deeper veins in the abdomen.
• Severe headaches or even seizures if clots hit the veins of the brain.

Sometimes, patients suffering from this ailment may face DVT symptoms like chest pain, difficulty in breathing, coughing of blood, dizziness, or fainting. 

What are the Major Risk Factors that Cause DVT?

The following are some factors that are responsible for DVT causes:

• Genetics or genetic predisposition increases the likelihood of developing blood clots.
• Staying still for long periods, such as long car rides or bus trips or after surgery. 
• During pregnancy or after birth, the risk increases.
• Having cancer or going through chemotherapy is another risk factor.
• The personal or family history of deep vein thrombosis is a cause of concern.
• Restriction of blood flow in a deep vein caused by injury, surgery, or inactivation may also pose a risk.
• Advancing further in life over 40 years increases the risks, though DVT can occur at any age.
• Using tobacco products adds vulnerability as well.
• Having varicose veins contributes to the problem.
• Obesity or increased weight is another risk factor.
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or inflammatory bowel disease also play their role.
• The presence of a central venous catheter or a pacer can be a contributing factor.
• Hormone therapy or taking birth control pills could put you at that risk.
• Last but not least, COVID-19 increases the risk of developing DVT.

DVT Test and Diagnosis 

Your healthcare provider will start with a primary physical examination of your leg and lower body to figure out the DVT signs. If you have swelling, tenderness, or any colour change in the skin, they will likely advise you on certain tests, which include:

• Duplex Ultrasound: This procedure is mainly meant for DVT diagnosis. Your physician uses an ultrasound to check for clots in your veins. The ultrasound produces sound waves and then creates pictures to show blood flow through veins. When a clot is found in a vein, your physician will probably schedule another ultrasound to monitor its size difference or look for new clot formation.
• D-dimer Blood Test: High rates of D-dimer, which are actually proteins from blood clots, are usually seen among patients suffering from severe DVT. Thus, to know whether a patient is affected or not, doctors usually conduct a blood test to check if levels are high.
• MRI: MRI is generally used to diagnose DVT in the lower abdomen or pelvis, where clotting is not easy to do with other imaging methods.
• Venography: This specific test is performed less frequently owing to its invasive nature. Your physician may inject dye into the veins and then take an X-ray to see if the dye flows correctly, which is helpful in identifying clots.

DVT Treatment

Here are the common treatment methods adopted for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):

• Blood Thinners:  : Blood thinners are also known as anticoagulants; these medicines prevent existing blood clots from growing and decrease the likelihood of new clots. They are taken either orally, intravenously, or by injection, depending on the drug used. Your doctor will determine the correct blood thinner for you, given its benefits and possible risks. Some patients require several months of blood thinners. Regular blood tests are required for medications such as warfarin (Jantoven) to monitor levels, and some blood thinners are not safe during pregnancy. One must always follow the dosages prescribed to avoid side effects.

• Clot Busters (Thrombolytics) : These drugs are used in more severe forms of DVT or PE or when other DVT treatments fail. Clot busters are inserted directly into the clot via a catheter. They have the potential to cause dangerous bleeding and are usually reserved for patients who have large clots.

• Filters: If you cannot receive blood-thinning medications, a filter may be placed within a large vein referred to as the vena cava within your abdomen. This filter limits clots that break loose from the abdomen from travelling toward the lungs.

• Support Stockings (Compression Stockings): These special knee-high socks help prevent blood from collecting in the legs and decrease swelling. They should be worn from the feet up to the knees. For DVT, it is often recommended that patients wear these stockings.

Exercises to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Since prevention is better than cure, it is wise to engage in exercises that enhance blood circulation and action for DVT management:

1. Ankle Rotations: Lift your feet from the ground at least a little. You would have all your toes pointing up and rotate your ankles in a clockwise motion for a few seconds, and then back to the original position to repeat the whole sequence again. Repeat ten times.
2. Knee Lifts: With both feet on the floor, lift one knee slightly and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times for each knee.
3. Lifts of Forefoot and Hindfoot: With both feet flat on the floor, raise your forefoot while keeping your heel on the ground and hold for 5 seconds. Point your toes down, raise your heel, and then hold that for another 5 seconds. 
4. Shoulder Rotations: For this exercise, rotate shoulders forward 10 times, then backward 10 times. 
5. Neck Rotations: Gently rotate your neck 10 times clockwise, followed by 10 times counterclockwise, alternating them.
6. Arm Stretches: Stretch both arms over the head with your hands together. Then, stretch your arms up with both palms facing the front and hold for 5 seconds. Stretch with palms facing upwards and hold for 5 seconds. Alternate this with ten repetitions. 
7. Hand and Finger Flicks: Flick your hands and fingers for 10 to 20 seconds and do this whenever needed.
8. Walking: Breathe fresh air as much as possible by taking breaks or walking around your room and taking breaks in between if you work sitting for long hours.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious disorder that requires immediate attention, care, and management. Know DVT symptoms, find out the causes of DVT, and then seek timely treatment for DVT to minimize bad consequences.

In addition to the treatment received, lifestyle modifications also, like exercises, can prevent recurring cases of DVT. For those worried about the cost of medical care related to DVT, Star Health Insurance has got you covered through its comprehensive health coverage. You will be ensured to receive all the essential DVT treatments and tests without the worry of money.