Imagine you’ve been sitting for hours—on a long flight, at your desk or recovering from surgery. Then, you notice swelling or discomfort in your leg. It might seem like nothing at first, but it could be a warning sign of something serious: deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most often in the legs. If left untreated, the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, leading to a life-threatening complication called a pulmonary embolism (PE).
What makes DVT especially dangerous is that it can develop silently, without obvious symptoms. That’s why understanding the risks, recognizing the signs and taking preventive steps are all essential.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the lower leg, thigh or pelvis. These clots can partially or completely block blood flow, causing pain, swelling, and other complications.
The greatest danger arises when a clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, leading to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE). Together, DVT and PE are known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), a serious condition requiring prompt medical attention.
What Causes DVT?
DVT can affect anyone, but some people are at higher risk due to lifestyle, medical conditions or genetics. Several factors can increase your risk of developing a blood clot. These include:
- Prolonged immobility: Sitting for long periods (on flights, long car rides or bed rest) can slow blood circulation, increasing risk of a clot forming.
- Surgery or injury: Major surgeries, especially those involving the legs, hips or abdomen, can trigger clot formation.
- Medical conditions: Cancer, heart disease or clotting disorders can make blood more likely to clot.
- Pregnancy and postpartum period: Hormonal changes and increased pressure on veins raise the risk of a clot.
- Birth control pills or hormone therapy: Estrogen-containing medications can increase clotting tendencies.
- Obesity: Extra weight puts additional pressure on veins.
- Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases clotting risk.
- Family history of blood clots: A genetic tendency can make DVT more likely.
Common Deep Vein Thrombosis Symptoms
Not everyone with DVT experiences noticeable symptoms, but some key symptoms to watch for include:
- Swelling: Usually in one leg (or arm), often with no clear cause.
- Pain or tenderness: Often starts in the calf and may feel like a cramp or soreness.
- Skin warmth: The affected area may feel warmer than surrounding skin.
- Red or discolored skin: Affected veins may look reddish or bluish.
- Leg fatigue or heaviness: A sense of tiredness or tightness in the leg.
Diagnosing and Treating DVT
If you’re experiencing symptoms of DVT, seek medical care immediately. To diagnose DVT, a healthcare provider may use:
- Ultrasound to detect blood clots
- D-dimer blood test, which measures clot-related proteins to assess clot likelihood
- Venography or MRI scans, which are used in some cases for further imaging
Most people with blood clots are treated with medicines called blood thinners. In severe cases of DVT, surgical intervention may be necessary. Common treatments focus on preventing clots from growing or breaking loose. Options generally include:
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants): Reduce clotting ability to prevent further clot formation.
- Compression stockings: Help improve circulation and reduce swelling.
- Thrombolytics: “Clot-busting” drugs used in severe cases to dissolve clots quickly.
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter: A device inserted into the main vein to catch clots before they reach the lungs.
How to Prevent DVT
Deep vein thrombosis is often preventable. Taking steps to improve circulation and reduce clotting risks can make a big difference. Here’s how:
Moving Regularly
Sitting for long periods slows blood flow, increasing the risk of clot formation. If you’re traveling in a plane, train or car for more than a few hours, be sure to stand, stretch and walk around at least once an hour. If you’re at a desk job, take short breaks to stand or do simple leg exercises, like ankle circles or heel-to-toe raises.
Staying Hydrated
Drinking enough water helps to keep your blood flowing. Aim to drink a glass of water with each meal and snack of the day.
Wearing Compression Socks
Compression socks gently squeeze the legs, promoting blood flow and reducing swelling. They are particularly useful while traveling or during post-surgery recovery.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Excess weight puts added pressure on veins, making it harder for blood to circulate properly. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help support vein health and reduce your risk of clotting disorders.
Exercising Regularly
Activities like walking, cycling, swimming and even simple leg exercises while seated can help to promote healthy circulation. If you’re recovering from surgery or are on bed rest, follow your doctor’s recommendations for safe movement.
Quit Smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of clot formation. If you smoke, seek support to quit—your doctor can recommend resources or medications to help.
Talk to Your Doctor
Certain medications may increase the risk of blood clots. If you have other risk factors for DVT, your doctor may suggest alternative options or additional preventive measures, such as low-dose blood thinners.
When to Seek Medical Help
Potential pulmonary embolisms (PE) require emergency care. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- Severe swelling or pain in one leg
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain that worsens when breathing deeply
- Coughing up blood
- Rapid heart rate
The Center for Vein Care at Stony Brook Medicine provides comprehensive treatment for all aspects of venous (vein) disease. We believe in personalized care, delivered with compassion and courtesy. Visit our website to learn more or make an appointment by calling 631-638-1670.
Angela Kokkosis, MD, FACS discusses DVT risk factors and treatment options at Stony Brook Medicine.
