What is deep vein thrombosis and how does it impact health? DVT is a very serious type of blood clot that forms in the deep venous system. CDC data shows that as many as 900,000 people are impacted by DVT each year in the United States.

What is DVT?

DVT is a blood clot that develops in the deep venous system. This happens most commonly in the legs. Vessels deep in the venous system are responsible for transporting the majority of your blood back to the heart.

DVT can cause painful symptoms and should be taken seriously. This is a dangerous health condition, and it requires immediate medical care. Left untreated, deep vein thrombosis can cause a pulmonary embolism, which is life threatening.

Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Symptoms include:

• Leg pain. Typically in the calf, but can manifest as cramping, soreness, or tenderness.
• You may notice swelling in just one of your legs.
• Sometimes the skin around DVT may be warm or hot to the touch.
• Redness or skin discoloration. Skin changes on the legs, especially when combined with pain, swelling, or warmth should be evaluated by a specialist.

Causes of DVT

Unfortunately, deep vein thrombosis can be caused by anything that prevents blood from circulating properly through the legs and ankles. It could be the result of injury, vein disease, a clotting disorder or something else.

There are certain lifestyle factors that play a role. If you are over 60, smoke, or struggle with obesity you are more likely to develop DVT.  Addition risk factors include:

• Prior DVT
• Pregnancy
• Injury
• Birth control pills or HRT
• Vein disease
• Cancer
• Genetics
• Standing or sitting for long periods of time
• Health conditions like diabetes, asthma, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure and more.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Doctor in Maryland

We highly recommend seeing a specialist and getting treatment as early as possible when it comes to deep vein thrombosis. To speak to a specialist about your symptoms, please contact the Vein Center of Maryland today.