What is deep vein thrombosis, what are the signs and symptoms of DVT and what’s the treatment?

DON'T overlook pain in your legs, or just brush it off as muscle ache.

If you are experiencing consistent pain it could be due to deep vein thrombosis - here are all the signs to look out for.

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What is deep vein thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition.

It occurs when you get a blood clot (a sticky mass of blood cells) in a vein that is deep below the skin.

DVT usually occurs in the leg and tends to affect thick veins that run through the muscles of the calf or the thigh.

What causes deep vein thrombosis?

There are a variety of things that can cause DVT, such as:

• Inactivity- when you are inactive your blood tends to collect in your lower body, your calfs for example. If you are inactive for a substantial length of time your blood can slow down significantly increasing your risk of DVT
• Hospital- Long surgical procedures to the leg, hips or abdomen, and long recovery time where you are largely inactive
• Blood vessel damage- Injuries such as broken bones or severe muscle damage can damage blood vessels, narrowing them and making a clot more likely. Vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) can also put you at risk
• Pregnancy - During pregnancy blood clots more easily to prevent too much blood loss while giving birth. Clots can also appear up to six weeks after giving birth.
• Contraceptive pill (combined) and Hormone Replacement Therapy- The contraceptive pill and HRT both contain the female hormone oestrogen which can cause blood to clot more easily than normal.
• Others- You are at a higher risk if you: smoke, are overweight, don’t drink enough or are aged 60 plus (particular if you have a condition that restricts your mobility)

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What are the symptoms of DVT?

Some cases of DVT don’t present with any symptoms at all, but this is what to look out for:

• Pain, swelling and tenderness in one leg (usually the calf)
• A heavy ache in the affected area
• Warm skin in the area of the clot
• Red skin, particularly at the back of the leg below the knee

The condition usually only affects one leg but can affect both or other areas of the body.

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What are the treatment options for DVT?

Suspected DVT needs immediate medical attention and if a blood clot is found an anticoagulant is prescribed.

This type of medication often referred to as blood thinners, prevents the blood clot from getting larger. They can also stop parts of the clot breaking off and becoming lodged somewhere else in the body- this is called an embolism.

If left untreated, 1 in 10 people with DVT will develop a pulmonary embolism (a blockage of the pulmonary artery in the lung). The symptoms to watch out for are:

• Breathlessness – which may come on gradually or suddenly
• Chest pain – which may become worse when you breathe in
• Sudden collapse

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An embolism can travel anywhere in the body such as the heart or the brain.

If an embolism travels to the brain it can cause a stroke.

It is very dangerous side effect of untreated DTV and again requires immediate medical attention.

How can I prevent deep vein thrombosis?

Keeping active and hydrated are too key ways to reduce your risk of DVT.

Quitting smoking and being aware of your body's reaction to the combined contraceptive pill -switching pill if needs be- can also halt the condition.