Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a severe condition in which blood clots form in the veins in your body. When you have a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), your blood clots in the deep veins of your legs, and this can happen after the condition develops in one of the large veins near the groin, inside the knee, or in the foot. If left untreated, a DVT can break loose and travel up through the body to block an artery in the lungs or brain, leading to death if not treated quickly at your trusted Venice vein center.
DVT is most common in older people with multiple medical problems such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. There are several types of DVTs, depending on where they develop:
Dry venous insufficiency (DVIN)
Dry venous insufficiency occurs when the valves that control blood flow in the veins become weak, allowing blood to pool in the veins instead of flowing freely through them. You will then feel tired because your legs do not receive enough oxygenated blood from the lungs, which causes swelling and pain in your legs for no apparent reason. The condition may worsen with age.
Chronic deep vein thrombosis
Chronic deep vein thrombosis (CDFT) is among the common forms of venous thromboembolism and affects approximately 1 in 5 adults. It develops when blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs, which can block blood flow to the lungs.
Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (ADV)
Deep Vein Thrombosis is a type of DVT that occurs when a clot forms suddenly, often within 24 hours after you start to exercise. The clot may travel through your bloodstream and block an artery, which leads to severe complications like a heart attack or stroke. ADV is more common among older people and those who are obese.
Chronic deep vein thrombosis
Chronic Deep Vein Thrombosis (COURSE) is another type of DVT that occurs when a clot forms over time without causing any problems for several months or years until it breaks off and travels through your bloodstream again. If left untreated, COURSE can lead to pulmonary embolism, where clots travel from your leg veins to your lungs. If not treated, that can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and possibly death.
Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolus occurs when a clot travels from a deep vein in your legs to the lung arteries and blocks blood flow to the lungs. The condition is called venous thromboembolism (VTE). Symptoms may include shortness of breath, coughing blood, or chest pain. Pulmonary embolus is more common among people who are obese or have other risk factors such as cancer, heart disease, or recent surgery.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
Venous thromboembolism occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein, usually in the deep veins of the legs. It can happen after a blood clot develops in one of the large veins near the groin or inside the knee or foot. Sometimes, venous thromboembolism can also develop in other areas of your body, such as your arms, neck, and abdomen.
If you have had two or more DVT episodes in the past year, even if they were less severe than this current episode, you should see your doctor immediately to discuss treatment options for DVT prevention. Call or message Florida Lakes Surgical to book an appointment, schedule a consultation online with a doctor, and learn more about deep vein thrombosis.
