Deep Vein Thrombosis
What is deep vein thrombosis? This disease occurs when blood clots develop in the deep venous system. Deep vein blood clots require immediate treatment as they can be life threatening. The probability of getting this disease is increase in patients with varicose veins. This fact was established in a study which made it to the pages of the journal JAMA. Researchers found an association between blood clots and varicose veins.
Deep vein thrombosis requires immediate attention. These blood clots in the vein can break away from their place of residence and then float in your bloodstream and enter your lungs. This can hamper the natural flow of blood, causing a pulmonary embolism.
What will the doctor do?
You will undergo a physical examination like checking the amount of swelling, discoloration and tenderness in the affected area. If the doctor suspects the formation of blood clots, the patient may have to undergo other clinical tests.
Ultrasound
Blood clots are likely to be detected with an ultrasound in which the computer transforms sound waves passing through your body to images. At times the patient may require multiple ultrasounds to check the status of the blood clots especially if growth is visible.
Blood Tests
People who develop severe deep vein thrombosis have an elevated blood level of a substance called D dimer.
Venography
Venography may cause mild discomfort. In this clinical test, an X-ray of the veins of your legs is taken after a dye is injected into the affected area. The purpose of the X-ray is to look for blood clots.
CT or MRI scans
These too can help in the detection of clots through visual images of the affected veins.
Treatment
Wearing support stockings helps to retard the growth of the clot and makes it stay in the place of its habitat until it gradually heals. If the clot moves it can result in further complications like pulmonary embolism.
Blood Thinners
Blood thinners or anticoagulants can be consumed in the form of pills or injected. Blood thinners can prevent and dissolve blood clots.
Clot Busters
Depending on the severity of deep vein thrombosis, the doctor may decide to give you thrombolytics or clot busters. These are prescribed especially when other medicines fail to work and it is deemed necessary to break up the clots.
Filters
This treatment is given if it is not possible for the patient to take blood thinners. The process of the treatment may cause a certain amount of discomfort as a filter is put into the vena cava of the patient’s abdomen. This will prevent floating clots from entering the patient’s lungs.
Compression stockings
These are prescribed by the doctor to reduce the probability of blood clotting. These compressed stockings cover your feet and calves.
Manhattan Vein Center
At Downtown Vein Physicians we are focused on treating disorders of the venous system.….. Read More
Manhattan Vein Center
80 Maiden Ln #905B New York, NY 10038 (Maiden Lane & Gold Street)
(212) 386-7888
(212) 386-7888