What is a DVT?
What is deep vein thrombosis or DVT?
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms within the veins in the arms of the legs. It is important to understand how the body functions and why these clots can be dangerous.
Arteries are designed with a thin muscle so they can stand the pressure from the heart pumping the blood to them. Veins do not have this muscle lining. They are not able to pump blood back and rely on physiology. The muscles in the body squeeze the blood back to the heart. This is a normal activity. This system may not always work and blood clots can form.
There are two types of the vein in the arms and the legs. There are the superficial veins and the deep veins. The superficial veins are just below the skin and they can be seen on the surface. The deep veins in the muscles. Blood goes from the superficial veins to the deep veins in a system called the perforator veins. This will allow the blood to go in the direction of the heart.
The clots form in the deep vein system in the arms and the legs. One clot alone may not be dangerous. The clots become a concern when they break off and travel through the body with the potential of reaching the heart. If they get stuck in the arteries this is a big problem. A clot can prevent the blood from flowing in the lungs which will decrease the amount of oxygen being received from the bod. It’s recommended that you need to get checked for DVT to help prevent a more serious pulmonary embolism.
Blood clots that happen in the superficial veins are not as dangerous. They are not able to enter the deep veins in the body where the problems can arise.
If you are experiencing any symptoms please contact us at 1.888.553.VEIN(8346).
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