What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis — And When Is It an Emergency?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition in which a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of the body — most commonly in the legs. DVT affects approximately 900,000 Americans each year and is responsible for up to 100,000 deaths annually due to its most dangerous complication: pulmonary embolism. Knowing the symptoms and when to seek emergency care could save your life.

What Causes DVT?

DVT occurs when blood flows too slowly through a deep vein and begins to clot. This can happen due to three main factors (known as Virchow's Triad): slow or stagnant blood flow, damage to the vein wall, and an increased tendency for blood to clot (hypercoagulability).

Common risk factors include: prolonged immobility (long flights, bed rest after surgery), recent surgery (especially orthopedic or abdominal procedures), cancer and cancer treatment, pregnancy, use of hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy, obesity, older age, a personal or family history of DVT, and inherited clotting disorders.

Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis

DVT doesn't always cause obvious symptoms — some clots are "silent" and are only discovered when a complication occurs. However, common symptoms include: swelling in one leg (usually in the calf or thigh), pain or tenderness in the leg that may feel like cramping or soreness, warmth in the affected area, and redness or discoloration of the skin.

These symptoms typically appear in just one leg. If both legs are equally affected, DVT is less likely to be the cause.

When Is DVT a Medical Emergency?

DVT becomes a life-threatening emergency when part of the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE). Call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience: sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that worsens with breathing, rapid heart rate, dizziness or fainting, coughing up blood, or a sense that something is terribly wrong. These are signs of a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal within hours if not treated.

How Is DVT Diagnosed and Treated?

DVT is diagnosed using duplex ultrasound, which can visualize the clot and assess blood flow in the affected vein. Additional testing such as a D-dimer blood test or CT scan may be used to evaluate for pulmonary embolism.

Treatment typically involves anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) to prevent the clot from growing and new clots from forming while your body gradually dissolves the existing clot. Compression stockings are often prescribed to reduce swelling and lower the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome. In severe cases, thrombolysis (clot-busting medication) or surgical clot removal may be required.

DVT Evaluation and Care in Arlington, TX

If you suspect you have DVT, prompt evaluation is critical. At Total Vein & Vascular in Arlington, TX, we perform same-day duplex ultrasound evaluations to quickly diagnose or rule out DVT. Our vascular specialists will create a personalized treatment plan to resolve your clot and reduce your risk of long-term complications like post-thrombotic syndrome. Serving Arlington, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and Irving, TX. Call (469) 844-8070 or visit totalveinvascular.com today.