What Causes Deep Vein Thrombosis?
The veins in your legs have a difficult job. They must transport blood against gravity back toward your heart, and as a result, they can develop circulation problems. Deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood flow through these veins slows down, allowing clots to form. Many factors can contribute to your risk of developing this condition.Â
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot begins to form inside a deep vein in your leg. These clots can occur elsewhere, but the legs are by far the most common location. Because venous blood flow in the legs can become slow and sluggish, clots are more likely to form in these areas. DVT requires prompt medical treatment to avoid complications.
The veins in your legs have a difficult job. They must transport blood against gravity back toward your heart, and as a result, they can develop circulation problems. Deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood flow through these veins slows down, allowing clots to form. Many factors can contribute to your risk of developing this condition.Â
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot begins to form inside a deep vein in your leg. These clots can occur elsewhere, but the legs are by far the most common location. Because venous blood flow in the legs can become slow and sluggish, clots are more likely to form in these areas. DVT requires prompt medical treatment to avoid complications.
What Causes Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Many factors affect the development of deep vein thrombosis. While the most common cause is blood pooling or flowing slowly through the legs, injuries to the walls of your veins can also cause clots to form. Causes of DVT include:
- Genetic factors or a family history of DVT
- A medical condition that increases your risk of blood clots
- Limited blood flow in the legs due to immobility
- Spending a long time sitting, such as during travel
- Use of certain medications that increase blood clot risks
- Current or recent pregnancy
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Age (although young people can develop DVT)
- Being overweight or obese
- Autoimmune conditions
Many people who develop deep vein thrombosis have a combination of risk factors. However, it’s possible to develop the condition without realizing you are at risk. Being aware of the symptoms can help you seek help promptly. With treatment, DVT can resolve without lasting damage.Â
What Causes Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Many factors affect the development of deep vein thrombosis. While the most common cause is blood pooling or flowing slowly through the legs, injuries to the walls of your veins can also cause clots to form. Causes of DVT include:
- Genetic factors or a family history of DVT
- A medical condition that increases your risk of blood clots
- Limited blood flow in the legs due to immobility
- Spending a long time sitting, such as during travel
- Use of certain medications that increase blood clot risks
- Current or recent pregnancy
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Age (although young people can develop DVT)
- Being overweight or obese
- Autoimmune conditions
Many people who develop deep vein thrombosis have a combination of risk factors. However, it’s possible to develop the condition without realizing you are at risk. Being aware of the symptoms can help you seek help promptly. With treatment, DVT can resolve without lasting damage.Â
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What are the Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Even if you do not have known risk factors for DVT, you should still know the signs that could indicate you or someone else has developed it. These symptoms include:
- Pain or or sensitivity in your leg
- Swelling, which can but does not always happen quickly
- An area that feels harder or warmer than usual
The most common way to diagnose DVT is Doppler ultrasound. This non-invasive, painless scan lets Dr. Cutchen see the blood flow through your leg veins and determine whether any clots have formed there and the best way to address them.Â
How is Deep Vein Thrombosis Treated?
DTV treatment will often involve several components. Dr. Cutchen will often prescribe an anticoagulant medication that limits clot formation. Current treatment recommendations indicate that anyone who has had this condition should wear a compression garment for two years afterward to prevent recurrence. Regular walking is also prescribed to maintain healthy blood flow.Â
While DVT resolves entirely for many people, some may experience lingering after-effects. Limiting your risk factors and seeking medical attention as soon as you notice symptoms make it more likely you will make a full recovery.Â
What are the Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Even if you do not have known risk factors for DVT, you should still know the signs that could indicate you or someone else has developed it. These symptoms include:
- Pain or or sensitivity in your leg
- Swelling, which can but does not always happen quickly
- An area that feels harder or warmer than usual
The most common way to diagnose DVT is Doppler ultrasound. This non-invasive, painless scan lets Dr. Cutchen see the blood flow through your leg veins and determine whether any clots have formed there and the best way to address them.Â
How is Deep Vein Thrombosis Treated?
DTV treatment will often involve several components. Dr. Cutchen will often prescribe an anticoagulant medication that limits clot formation. Current treatment recommendations indicate that anyone who has had this condition should wear a compression garment for two years afterward to prevent recurrence. Regular walking is also prescribed to maintain healthy blood flow.Â
While DVT resolves entirely for many people, some may experience lingering after-effects. Limiting your risk factors and seeking medical attention as soon as you notice symptoms make it more likely you will make a full recovery.Â
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Take the Next Step
If you want to learn more about deep vein thrombosis, contact us at Albuquerque Vein & Laser Institute at 505-848-8346, or complete the form on this page, and one of our staff members will reach out to you promptly.Â
Albuquerque Vein & Laser Institute is located in the Journal Center area of Albuquerque and proudly serves vein patients throughout the entire Albuquerque area, as well as Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Santa Rosa, Los Lunas, and other areas throughout New Mexico.
** This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician
** This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.
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