Are You at Risk of Developing DVT?

One in three Americans develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in their lifetime. Will you be one of them?

DVT involves the formation of a blood clot in a vein. It can occur in various parts of the body but is most commonly found in the veins of the pelvic area, lower leg, and thigh. While some people experience symptoms, others do not, which makes DVT even more dangerous. A blood clot can travel to the heart or lungs, causing life-threatening complications.

For this reason, Alexander Goldman, MD, RVT, RPVI, and Saluja Varghese-Goldman, MD, RVT, RPVI, at Goldman Vein Institute are sharing information on who is at risk, why regular checkups are essential, and how to recognize the warning signs of a blood clot.

Virchow's triad and other risk factors

The formation of blood clots in veins is often explained by Virchow's triad, which consists of three key factors:

• Hypercoagulability (an increased tendency for blood to clot)
• Endothelial damage (damage to the inner lining of blood vessels)
• Venous stasis (slow blood flow)

Hypercoagulability can occur due to genetic conditions, oral contraceptives, cancer treatments, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), with oral estrogen having a greater impact than transdermal options or pellets.

Endothelial damage can result from venous trauma, injuries, venous insufficiency, or varicose veins. Venous stasis is often caused by sitting or standing for prolonged periods, bed rest, or even long flights.

Other risk factors include being over the age of 60, having blood clotting disorders, living a sedentary lifestyle, and being obese.

Signs of deep vein thrombosis

Only about half of people with DVT experience noticeable symptoms. However, being aware of potential signs can be life-saving. 

Symptoms include:

• Persistent pain or cramping in the lower leg or pelvis (depending on the location of the blood clot)
• Swelling in the affected area
• Redness or warmth in the affected area
• Changes in skin color (the skin may appear bluish)

If you notice these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. If a blood clot ruptures, it can travel to the lungs or heart, blocking blood flow.

Diagnosis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis

At Goldman Vein Institute, we use advanced duplex ultrasound technology to diagnose DVT. This noninvasive technique takes less than 15 minutes and can be performed in our offices.

If a blood clot is found, our experts may prescribe oral anticoagulants, thrombolytic therapy (clot-busting medication), or a vena cava filter (a device placed in a large vein to prevent clots from traveling to the lungs) for more serious cases.

Learn if you are at risk

If you’re concerned about your risk of DVT, have a family history of blood clots, experience symptoms, or simply want peace of mind, contact us online or by phone today to schedule an appointment at our Abacoa office in Jupiter, Florida, or our Wellington Mall location in Wellington, Florida.

Our team is experienced in helping patients prevent and, in some cases, promptly treat DVT.