DVT

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in one of the deep veins of the body, and usually occurs in a deep leg vein. It can cause pain and swelling in the leg and may lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism (a piece of a blood clot breaks off into the bloodstream and blocks one of the blood vessels in the lungs).

1 in 1000 people are affected by DVT each year and it becomes more common with age, family history, obesity and inactivity.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Pain, swelling and tenderness
• Heavy ache in the affected area
• Warm skin in the area of the clot
• Redness of the skin

If it develops into a pulmonary embolism, signs and symptoms may include:

• Breathlessness (gradual or sudden)
• Chest pain (may worsen with inspiration)
• Sudden Collapse

Treated with anticoagulants (alter chemicals within blood to prevent clots from forming so easily): warfarin and heparin. Heparin is usually prescribed first because it works immediately to prevent further clotting. Warfarin may then be prescribed to prevent another blood clot forming.

Compression stockings may also be used to help prevent calf pain and swelling as well as lowering the risk of ulcers developing after having a DVT. They should be worn every day for at least two years because symptoms of post-thrombotic syndrome (damage to the tissue caused by the increase in blood pressure that occurs when a vein is blocked and diverted to the outer veins) may develop several months or years after having a DVT.

Additionally raising legs whilst sitting whenever resting helps to relieve the pressure in the veins and stop blood from pooling.