Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Huntington Beach to Dana Point, Orange County Trusts Hoag for Advanced Vascular Care

Advanced, patient-focused vascular disease care in Orange County has a name: Hoag. Through our subspecialized Vascular Program at Hoag’s Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart and Vascular Institute, our multi-disciplinary team of cardiovascular experts is helping change the way these complex diseases are diagnosed, treated and managed, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

From varicose veins to conditions that can put a person at higher risk of suffering a potentially deadly pulmonary embolus, Hoag has the next-generation technology, nationally-recognized treatment options and team of vascular specialists you need.

Contact us today through our online form or by calling 949-764-5871. Read on for what you need to know about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), including causes, symptoms and risk factors.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis, also called DVT, is a potentially serious medical condition involving the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins of the body.

Typically occurring in the thighs, pelvis or the lower legs, deep vein thrombosis carries with it a number of serious health risks, including the formation of a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency that can occur when a piece of a blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, where it lodges within an artery. That can block the flow of blood to the lungs, which can be fatal without immediate medical treatment.

How Does DVT Cause Blood Clots?

The veins are a series of blood vessels which deliver oxygen-poor blood from the muscles and organs back to the heart. They make up an intricate network known as the venous system (or circulatory system). A healthy and functional venous system helps ensure that the tissues and organs receive plenty of oxygen-rich blood before it is returned to the heart to be re-oxygenated.

There are two main types of veins which make up the venous system: the superficial veins and the deep veins. A superficial vein is close to the skin, and can often be seen with the naked eye. On the other hand, deep veins are located deep inside the muscles and along the bones within the body.

In a healthy person, blood moves through the veins with ease. As long as blood is flowing freely, it’s hard for blood clots to form. However, certain conditions can cause blood flow to slow down. That can cause the blood to thicken and form a semisolid mass called a blood clot or thrombus.

These clots can obstruct blood flow through the veins, causing inflammation and pain at the site of the clot, while carrying the risk of severe medical complications. Among the potentially deadly issues a blood clot can cause is an embolism, where a blood clot breaks free and travels to some other part of the patient’s body.

What Causes Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis involves the formation of a blood clot in one of the deep veins inside the body. The condition usually occurs in the legs, though DVT can occur in the arms as well.

Several factors can cause or contribute to the development of DVT. These issues include:

• Prolonged immobility, such as during a long, international flight or while on bed rest
• Recent pregnancy or childbirth
• Being obese
• Recent cancer treatments
• Recent fractures or surgery involving the legs or pelvis
• Polycythemia vera, which is a medical condition in which the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells.
• Using tobacco
• Certain medications, including hormonal birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
• Genetic factors, as having a family history of DVT or blood clots can increase the risk of developing the condition

What are the Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

The symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can vary from patient to patient. In fact, depending on the severity of the condition, deep vein thrombosis may not induce any symptoms at all, making it a potentially silent yet dangerous condition. Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis may include:

• A warm or feverish sensation at the site of the clot
• Swelling in the extremities
• Leg pain, cramping or tenderness, particularly in the calf
• Pain when walking
• Discolored skin near the area of the clot, which can be red, purple or black

Can Deep Vein Thrombosis Cause any Serious Complications?

Deep vein thrombosis can lead to a series of potentially dangerous medical complications. These complications may include:

Pulmonary Embolism

Blood clots can break free from the site of their initial development. These clots, known as emboli, can travel through the cardiovascular system, where they can lodge in a blood vessel, causing an embolism.

One of the most severe and life-threatening embolisms is a pulmonary embolism, in which a clot breaks off, travels through the bloodstream, and lodges in the blood vessels that supply the lungs, blocking blood flow.

Post-Thrombotic Syndrome

Post-thrombotic syndrome is a venous disorder which can develop due to the long-term effects of deep vein thrombosis permanently damaging vein valves. This condition is characterized by chronic pain, swelling, discoloration of the skin, and a feeling of heaviness in an affected limb. Post-thrombotic syndrome is a disorder which can eventually lead to decreased quality of life.

Who is Most at Risk to Develop Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Individuals with certain risk factors can increase a person’s chances of developing deep vein thrombosis. These include:

• Being older
• A recent history of surgery or cancer treatment
• Recent fractures or injuries to the legs or pelvis
• Recent pregnancy or childbirth
• Being obese
• Not moving for a long time due to issues like being on bedrest or being on a long flight
• Having a family history of deep vein thrombosis or blood clots
• Having certain medical conditions that affect blood clotting
• Dehydration
• Smoking tobacco

Are There Any Ways to Reduce My Risk of Developing Deep Vein Thrombosis?

While there is no way to absolutely prevent deep vein thrombosis, there are certain steps you can take to potentially reduce your risk of experiencing the condition. These may include:

• Eat a healthy diet
• Get plenty of cardiovascular exercise
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you have conditions that can cause or contribute to blood clotting or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), seek medical treatment and follow the instructions of your doctor exactly. That may include using blood thinners, compression stockings.
• If you know you’ll be mostly immobile for several hours, including during long periods of desk work, being confined to bed or being on a long flight, try using compression stockings and exercise your legs every so often, ideally by standing and walking around

Need Diagnosis and Treatment For Deep Vein Thrombosis? Orange County Trusts Hoag.

Through the Vascular Program at Hoag’s Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart & Vascular Institute, advanced care meets compassionate treatment in the battle against potentially serious vascular conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Orange County’s home for state-of-the-art facilities and expert cardiovascular care, Hoag offers a host of treatment options, including minimally-invasive surgical procedures with less pain and shorter recovery time. Our dedicated team of cardiovascular specialists wields the latest diagnostic technology and treatment methods, coupled with a program-wide commitment to personalized care that’s tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

From cutting-edge diagnostic imaging to minimally invasive endovascular procedures, Hoag is dedicated to advancing the way modern medicine treats vascular disease. Visit our treatment page or diagnosis and testing page to learn more.

If you need vascular disease treatment in Orange County, Hoag is here, and ready to help you get back to enjoying life and what matters. Connect with our subspecialized team today through our online form or by calling 949-764-5871.