What is deep vein thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT occurs when a blood clot develops inside a deep vein. This condition can even be life-threatening. The common symptoms are pain and swelling, accompanied by tenderness, usually in your legs. The most common reasons for DVT include hormone therapy, immobility, and pregnancy.

Can you prevent DVT?

DVT can result in serious medical problems and can even turn out to be life-threatening. Which is why it is important to treat it right away. DVT once formed can block blood flow to your heart completely or partially and damage one-way valves inside your veins. At times the clot may even break free and move to large organs like the lungs, which can prove to be dangerous. Reports suggest that at least one out of ten patients suffering from DVT, usually succumb to it because of associated complications. As many as 350,000 DVT cases are diagnosed annually in the country. In many cases, people are not even aware of it. If you are at risk of developing DVT, there are a couple of things you can do to prevent it.

Deep vein thrombosis prevention tips:

• Surgery, as well as some other medical treatments, heighten the chances of acquiring DVT. When a person is at risk, doctors should take appropriate steps for its prevention.
• If you are already taking Hormone Replacement Therapy medications or contraceptive pills before you get admitted into the hospital for any surgery, you should temporarily stop consuming them. Your doctor will ask you to do this at least four weeks prior to surgery. Similarly, in case you take medicines for blood clot prevention, like aspirin, you should stop ingesting them a week before the surgery.
• It is best to opt for local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia because the chances of developing a clot are lower.
• During your stay in the hospital, you must get yourself checked for blood clots, regardless of the treatment type.
• Your healthcare team can lower chances of DVT by making sure you are well-hydrated and ensuring that you move around whenever possible.
• There are also some medications which can help prevent DVT, like anticoagulants. These can be used to prevent clots post-surgery, especially orthopedic surgery. Low-molecular-weight heparin can be used during and after pregnancy to prevent blood clots. Unfractionated heparin may be prescribed for those with kidney failure or severe renal impairment.
• To ensure that there is no clotting, compression stockings are recommended. These can be worn around the feet, thighs, and lower legs. They have a tight fit so that blood flows faster.
• Lifestyle changes may also prevent the occurrence of DVT. So, you should maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet. If you are overweight, you must consciously try to lose weight. Additionally, habits like smoking should be given up to minimize risks. Regular workouts are recommended for DVT prevention; simple leg exercises like flexing the ankles can be helpful.
• You should consider visiting your doctor before traveling long distances. The chances of DVT increase during travels and if you already have a history of DVT. It is advisable to move around every two hours.
• You must avoid drinking alcohol as this can cause dehydration. The intake of sleeping pills is also not encouraged as this may cause immobility.

Deep vein thrombosis prevention is necessary to avoid the development of clots.