Deep Vein Thrombosis blood clots can be deadly but are preventable!
Risks of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), also referred to as Deep Venous Thrombosis, is a blood clot located within a deep vein, usually in the leg. A blood clot that breaks free and travels up to the heart or lungs is referred to as a Pulmonary Embolism (PE), which can stop blood flow and cause sudden death. The CDC estimates up to 100,000 Americans die every year from preventable DVT/PE
In addition, Deep Vein Thrombosis blood clots in the leg can permanently damage veins. The result in 50% of DVT survivors is Chronic Venous Insufficiency which results in long-term leg pain, heaviness and swelling that can progress to difficulty in walking, changes in skin color and open leg sores (known as leg ulcers). Deep Venous Thrombosis can significantly impair quality of life.
Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Many patients ask us, "can varicose veins cause blood clots?" According to a recent study, 5% of patients diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, compared to the general population, are at risk for DVT. There is a distinct increased risk for patients over 70-years-old and obese. There are several factors known to contribute to the risk of DVT although a blood clot can occur in almost anyone.
- Heredity (Genetics)
- Age
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Lack of Exercise
- Pregnancy or Recent Birth
- Recent Surgery or Hospitalization
- Cancer Treatments
- Prolonged Sitting (Airplane Travel)
- Extended Bed Rest
- Oral Contraceptives
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Alcohol Consumption
Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Increased warmth in the affected area
- Pain or tenderness in the leg, ankle or foot
- Red or discolored skin
- Swelling in the affected area
Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis
The absolute best way to diagnose Deep Venous Thrombosis is with a Full Vein Exam and Duplex Ultrasound. A medical clinic with an experienced vein specialist should be able to get you in the same day for diagnosis if you have any concern about blood clots in your legs. Treatment and prevention will be accomplished in several ways depending on the patient risk factors and severity but usually starts with blood thinning medication.
Prescription compression stockings are a common preventative measure as are range of motion exercises, treating underlying blood disorders and vein therapy for Chronic Venous Insufficiency. An experienced vein doctor can discuss all treatment options with you after proper diagnosis from a Full Vein Exam and Duplex Ultrasound.
Vein disease is incredibly common in the United States. According to some estimates, 50-60 million American men and women have some form of venous disease. Varicose veins are among the most common of these. In fact, varicose veins are so common that it can be easy to forget that they could also be an indication…
Read MoreVein specialists note that many men they treat have more severe vein problems than women because they’ve had them longer and tend to wait until their pain becomes unbearable–or worse–their veins start to bleed. Don’t be one of those guys! When is the last time you went out for beers with the boys and talked…
Read More
If you have even heard of vulvar varicosities, chances are it is because you have experienced them. And it is likely you had to work ridiculously hard to uncover any information about the topic. Varicose veins of the vulva and perineum just don’t get a whole lot of press. Commonly quoted estimates state that about…
Read More
If you have any questions or concerns about your vascular health, please schedule an appointment with Jilanne Rose at our Tempe, Arizona office. With over 10,000 peripheral vein procedures to her credit, she is the Arizona Vein Specialist who can help you with any vascular concerns you may have. VIDEO TRANSCRIPT The cost of vein insufficiency…
Read More04 CVI The Causes of Vein Insufficiency from Tim C Martin on Vimeo. If you have any questions or concerns about your vascular health, please schedule an appointment with Jilanne Rose at our Phoenix, Arizona office. With over 10,000 peripheral vein procedures to her credit, she is the Arizona Vein Specialist who can help you with…
Read More
If you have any questions or concerns about your vascular health, please schedule an appointment with Jilanne Rose at our Phoenix, Arizona office. With over 10,000 peripheral vein procedures to her credit, she is the Arizona Vein Specialist who can help you with any vascular concerns you may have. VIDEO TRANSCRIPT Home Remedies for Varicose Veins…
Read MoreIt’s a common misconception only women suffer from varicose veins, however, it is estimated that somewhere between 15% and 45% of men will develop varicose veins or venous insufficiency at some point in their lives. The exact number is unknown, primarily because a significant number of men do not seek treatment for vein disorders. There…
Read More01 Your Vascular System and Vein Insufficiency from Tim C Martin on Vimeo. If you have any questions or concerns about your vascular health, please schedule an appointment with Jilanne Rose at our Tempe, Arizona office. With over 10,000 peripheral vein procedures to her credit, she is the Arizona Vein Specialist who can help you…
Read More
If you have any questions or concerns about your vascular health, please schedule an appointment with Jilanne Rose at our Tempe, Arizona office. With over 10,000 peripheral vein procedures to her credit, she is the Arizona Vein Specialist who can help you with any vascular concerns you may have. VIDEO TRANSCRIPT Important specifics about vein…
Read MoreIf you have any questions or concerns about your vascular health, please schedule an appointment with Jilanne Rose at our Phoenix, Arizona office. Having performed well over 10,000 peripheral vein procedures, she is the Arizona Vein Specialist who can help you with any vascular concerns you may have. VIDEO TRANSCRIPT Anatomy of Veins: Again, we talked…
Read More