Deep Vein Thrombosis : Also known as DVT normally occurs when there is swelling in deep vein causing pain and blood clot (Thrombus). It may happen in one or more veins in the body. DVT can be serious because blood clots in your veins can break loose, travel through your bloodstream and lodge in your lungs, blocking blood flow (Pulmonary Embolism). Symptoms : • Swelling can happen in either one leg or both. • Pain in leg often starts in your calf and can feel like cramping or soreness. • Red or discoloured skin on the leg. • A feeling of warmth in the affected leg. • DVT may occur without noticeable symptoms. When to see a doctor? When there are signs or symptoms of Pulmonary embolism – a life threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis you should seek medical attention at earliest. Signs & Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism: • Gradual reduction in breathing rate • Chest Pain or discomfort in breathing causing uneasiness or chest pain while coughing. • Dizziness or fainting • Increase in pulse rate • During cough if any bleeding What are the Causes? Injury to vein causing blood clotting or reducing blood circulation, limited movement. What are the risk factors that cause DVT? • Inheriting a blood-clotting disorder. Some people inherit a disorder that makes their blood clot more easily. This condition on its own might not cause blood clots unless combined with one or more other risk factors. • Prolonged bed rest, such as during a long hospital stay, or paralysis. When your legs remain still for long periods, your calf muscles don't contract to help blood circulate, which can increase the risk of blood clots. • Injury or surgery. Injury to your veins or surgery can increase the risk of blood clots. • Pregnancy. Pregnancy increases the pressure in the veins in your pelvis and legs. Women with an inherited clotting disorder are especially at risk. The risk of blood clots from pregnancy can continue for up to six weeks after you have your baby. • Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement therapy. Both can increase your blood's ability to clot. • Being overweight or obese. Being overweight increases the pressure in the veins in your pelvis and legs. • Smoking. Smoking affects blood clotting and circulation, which can increase your risk of DVT. • Cancer. Some forms of cancer increase substances in your blood that cause your blood to clot. Some forms of cancer treatment also increase the risk of blood clots. • Heart failure. This increases your risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism. Because people with heart failure have limited heart and lung function, the symptoms caused by even a small pulmonary embolism are more noticeable. • Inflammatory bowel disease. Bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, increase the risk of DVT. • A personal or family history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. If you or someone in your family has had one or both of these, you might be at greater risk of developing a DVT. • Age. Being older than 60 increases your risk of DVT, though it can occur at any age. • Sitting for long periods of time, such as when driving or flying. When your legs remain still for hours, your calf muscles don't contract, which normally helps blood circulate. Blood clots can form in the calves of your legs if your calf muscles don't move for long periods. What are the complications in Pulmonary embolism? Whenever there’s block in blood vessel inside the lung causing blood clot (Thrombus) which travels from leg to lung, then such occurance is called as Pulmonary embolism. This can be life threatening. Postphlebitic syndrome: A common complication that can occur after deep vein thrombosis is known as postphlebitic syndrome, also called postthrombotic syndrome. Damage to your veins from the blood clot reduces blood flow in the affected areas, which can cause: • Persistent swelling of your legs (edema) • Leg pain • Skin discoloration • Skin sores Prevention Measures to prevent deep vein thrombosis include: • Avoid sitting still. If you have had surgery or have been on bed rest for other reasons, try to get moving as soon as possible. If you're sitting for a while, don't cross your legs, which can hamper blood flow. If you're traveling a long distance by car, stop every hour or so and walk around. If you're on a plane, stand or walk occasionally. If you can't do that, exercise your lower legs. Try raising and lowering your heels while keeping your toes on the floor, then raising your toes with your heels are on the floor. • Make lifestyle changes. Lose weight and quit smoking. • Exercise. Regular exercise lowers your risk of blood clots, which is especially important for people who sit a lot or travel frequently. At 7 Orange Hospital we have one of the best Endovascular Specialist Dr. Kiran Naiknaware available. Please feel free to ask us any question you have about the Varicose Vein & EVLA procedure. We strongly believe that the best patient is an informed (well briefed) patient about the procedure and we welcome your queries at 7350055754.