With just a few pieces of key information, you may see the signs of having a potentially life threatening  deep vein thrombosis (DVT). 

 What is a DVT?

In the simplest terms, a DVT is a blood clot (thrombus) in the deep veins, most often the legs.  When a clot forms within the deep vein it can block blood circulation causing symptoms ranging from barely noticeable to painful. 

What may cause a DVT

  • Your chance of a DVT increases with age; doubling each decade once you turn 40.
  • Your risk is increased if you are
    • obese,
    • have had a major operation or injury,
    •  spent a long time in bed due to illness, surgery or an injury
    • have varicose veins or
    • had a history of DVT.
  • Any travel mode, where you’re sitting for long periods, increases your risk;  i.e long haul flights
  • A DVT because it can come on suddenly – with no known cause
  • Some symptoms are leg pain, bruising or swelling; one leg may look different to the other or you notice a change in your varicose veins.

How do i know if i have a DVT?

Half of all DVT cases are known as “silent”, which means they may have minimal or no noticeable symptoms.  The only way to know for sure if you have a DVT is to come in and see one of our vascular specialists.  They will organise blood tests and an urgent vascular ultrasound scan An ultrasound scan in a painless, non-invasive scan done in our vascular lab.  It takes between 30-60 minutes. 

How can i reduce my risk?

The best treatment for a DVT is prevention. 

 

How do Specialist Vein Health’s vascular surgeons treat DVTs?

  • we promote prevention
  • anti-coagulant medications which over time break down the clot
  • in the case of larger or life threatening clots, a medications (given in the hospital setting only) called thrombolytics are given to quickly dissolve the clot
  • IVC filters (this is a minor surgical procedure)

If you think you may be at risk for or currently experiencing DVT symptoms and would like peace of mind –    Please contact us today.