Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood Clots in the Leg and Pulmonary Embolism

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a clot in the deep veins of the leg, and when it is not recognised and treated in time it can lead to serious, even life-threatening consequences. In this article I will explain the symptoms and treatment of DVT.

DVT Symptoms: Swelling, Warmth and Pain in the Leg

DVT usually shows itself as sudden swelling in one leg, a feeling of tightness, redness, increased skin temperature and calf pain that worsens on pressure. In some of our patients the symptoms may be very mild or entirely absent; for this reason we must take seriously any new leg swelling that appears after prolonged immobility, in the postoperative period, or after a long journey.

Risk of a Clot Travelling to the Lungs (Pulmonary Embolism)

The most feared complication of DVT is a piece of the clot breaking off and reaching the lungs through the bloodstream (pulmonary embolism); this is an emergency that can cause sudden shortness of breath, chest pain and sometimes sudden death. For this reason we rapidly assess and start treatment in every patient with suspected DVT, in order to prevent an embolism from developing.

DVT Treatment and Blood Thinners

Blood-thinning medicines form the basis of DVT treatment; these medicines stop the existing clot from growing and allow the body’s own mechanisms to dissolve the clot over time. Depending on the cause and extent of the clot, treatment usually lasts 3-6 months or longer; in some high-risk or recurrent cases lifelong use may be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who develops DVT more often? The risk increases in people with prolonged immobility (after surgery, long journeys), cancer, hormone therapy, pregnancy, and an inherited tendency to clotting.

I suspect I have DVT, what should I do? You need to be assessed without losing time; the diagnosis is made quickly and painlessly with Doppler ultrasound.

Can there be a permanent problem in the leg after DVT? In some patients, especially in cases treated late, chronic swelling of the leg and venous insufficiency (post-thrombotic syndrome) can develop; this is why early diagnosis is important.

Conclusion

Deep vein thrombosis is a disease whose serious complications can be prevented with rapid diagnosis and treatment, but in which delay can lead to severe consequences. When you notice sudden leg swelling, pain or redness, not losing time is of vital importance.

If you have noticed sudden leg swelling, pain or redness, you can book an appointment to be assessed without losing time.

References

1. Kearon C, Akl EA, Ornelas J, et al. Antithrombotic Therapy for VTE Disease: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report. Chest. 2016;149(2):315-352.
2. Kakkos SK, Gohel M, Baekgaard N, et al. Editor’s Choice – European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2022 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Chronic Venous Disease. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2022;63(2):184-267.