Could I Possibly Have a DVT?

Deep vein thrombosis, also known as DVT, is a condition where a blood clot is able to form in at least one of the deep veins in your body. This often happens in the legs, though it may happen in other parts of the body as well. It is common for this issue to cause pain in the leg, as well as swelling, but sometimes it happens with no symptoms at all. 

There are several reasons why DVT may occur. For example, it can happen if you get on bed rest and can’t move around often, such as after surgery or an accident. It can be serious because these clots could get loose and start to travel through the bloodstream. Over time, they may get stuck in your lungs, preventing the flow of blood. 

The Symptoms of DVT

There are many different symptoms that come with DVT and they include:

1. Warmth that seems to come from the leg that is affected. 
2. Skin on the affected leg that is red or a different color. 
3. Pain that starts in the calf and feels like cramping. 
4. Swelling in one leg. 

Sometimes this condition will occur without any symptoms at all, which can make it even more dangerous. 

When Should I Visit the Doctor?

If you notice any of the symptoms above, then it is time to visit your doctor. In addition, if you start to develop some of the signs of a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening complication of this issue, then you need to seek medical attention right away. The main symptoms you should look for with pulmonary embolism includes:

1. Coughing up blood. 
2. An unusually high pulse
3. Feeling really dizzy or lightheaded, or even fainting. 
4. Chest pain that seems to get worse if you cough or breathe. 
5. A shortness of breath that comes up suddenly. 

Always seek immediate medical attention as soon as you notice any of these signs. 

As always, our office is here to help if you think you or a loved one could be showing signs of a DVT. Call us at 1.888.553.VEIN (8346).

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