DVT Complications

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can cause serious health complications, including life-threatening pulmonary embolisms, which are blood clots that travel to the lungs. In addition, local circulation difficulties can develop around blood clots, resulting in skin disorders. Pulmonary Embolism, DVT and the Lungs Deep vein thromboses can develop in any of the large, deep veins of the body, but these blood clots... Read more >

DVT Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) depends in part on the size, location, and symptoms of the blood clot. Medical imaging techniques such as ultrasound, MRI and CAT (CT) scans may locate blood clots. Blood tests for circulating D dimer and blood pressure tests such as plethysmography can also help make a diagnosis. Despite these tests, however, the only definitive diagnosis for DVT remains a... Read more >

DVT Treatments

Anticoagulants are used for the treatment of deep venous thromboses (DVTs). Anticoagulants "thin" the blood, impairing coagulation and making it more difficult for blood clots to form. Anticoagulants also help to dissolve existing blood clots. Depending on the cause of DVT, anticoagulants may be used both as short-term treatment and long-term prevention.Heparin: The First Choice for DVT Treatments Of all the... Read more >

DVT Prevention

The public has become more aware of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prevention since researchers announced that long airplane rides or other periods of inactivity increase the risk of developing blood clots. Depending on your personal history and circumstances, DVT prevention can be as simple as doing regular stretching exercises, or as complicated as having a Greenfield filter placed in the deep veins to prevent... Read more >

DVT Symptoms

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot develops in one of the large, deep veins of the body. The blood clot, or thrombus, can cause a number of symptoms, the most significant of which are circulation problems and pain. If left untreated, a deep vein thrombosis can worsen and become life-threatening.   Although the veins in our legs are those most susceptible to blood clot formation, deep vein... Read more >

Causes and Risk Factors

While anyone can develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT), there are certain risk factors that place some individuals at higher risk for developing these types of blood clots. For example, women who are taking birth control pills or individuals who are on hormone replacement therapy have a higher risk of DVT. Also, people who are obese or who have cancer are at a greater risk for deep vein thrombosis.   In this... Read more >

Embolism

An embolism can arise from a variety of causes and can present itself in many forms Embolisms occur when a particle, such as a piece of tissue, blood clot or air bubble, blocks blood flow in a blood vessel. This blockage can cause a stroke, heart attack or even death. While some embolisms feature symptoms such as headaches or dizziness, others are asymptomatic, meaning they have no symptoms. Anatomy of an... Read more >

Circulation Problems and Hypertension

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) creates circulation problems, making it difficult for blood to properly move through the body. Though DVT often causes leg circulation problems, there are other ways in which DVT can impact blood circulation. DVT can lead to pulmonary embolism, where a clot formed in the legs makes its way into the lungs. Once a clot is in the lungs, it can get trapped and restrict or entirely cut off... Read more >