
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Age
DVT is a medical issue that can occur at any age but being older than 60 significantly increases your risk for developing it.
Sedentary Lifestyle
In the modern world, a sedentary lifestyle is common. Unfortunately, living this lifestyle makes you more susceptible to developing DVT. As mentioned earlier, blood flow and blood recirculation are largely dependent on your muscle movements. Sitting for long periods, not engaging your muscles, makes it difficult for your blood to circulate properly. Being on bed rest or recovering from surgery can also raise the risk.
Obesity
People that are overweight are at a greater risk for developing DVT. Being overweight causes pressure on the legs and pelvis’s vein walls, potentially leading to a pooling of blood where vein walls are weakened.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, more pressure is being placed on the veins in your legs and pelvis, putting you at risk for developing DVT. This increased risk continues for six weeks after giving birth to a baby.
Genetics
People with a family history of DVT are at greater risk for developing the condition. A family history of the condition pulmonary embolism can also put you at more significant risk.
Smoking
Nicotine negatively affects blood circulation, blood vessels and the blood clotting process. As a result, it can raise your risk for DVT.
Vein Injury
A blood clot is likely to form if your veins have experienced past traumas or surgery, as the vein walls can damage potentially.
Estrogen
Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can potentially damage your vein walls because of the estrogen they contain. With weakened vein walls, your risk for a blood clot forming is increased.
Previous Blood Clot
Your risk for developing a blood clot if you previously had one increases by 30 percent. It is crucial to know how you should adjust your lifestyle to prevent the issue from occurring again.
Certain health Issues
Certain health issues can significantly increase your risk of developing DVT. These health issues include lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer or if you are currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Pulmonary Embolism
As mentioned earlier, pulmonary embolism is a complication that occurs if the DVT blood clot loosens and gets lodged in a blood vessel in the lungs, restricting blood flow. This serious medical concern can be life-threatening. In some cases, people that lack DVT symptoms realize they have the condition once it develops into a pulmonary embolism. Signs that you may have pulmonary embolism include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough, faintness, a rapid pulse and coughing blood. If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away.
Postphlebitic Syndrome
Postphlebitic syndrome, also known as a postthrombotic syndrome, is a common complication that arises because of DVT. The complication results from damage to the vein walls because of the blood clot, which reduces blood flow in the affected region. Postphlebitic syndrome can cause persistent swelling in the legs, known as edema, pain in the legs, skin discoloration and skin sores.
Medicine
The most common medication to treat DVT are blood thinners. These medications can reduce your blood’s ability to clot. Blood thinners may need to be taken for up to six months if prescribed. In severe cases, a stronger medication, known as thrombolytics, may be used to dissolve a blood clot. However, thrombolytics can have serious side effects, including sudden bleeding, so they are not prescribed often.
Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter
In cases where a blood thinner can’t be taken or if it is not effective, an IVC filter may be used. This small, cone-shaped filter is placed inside your inferior vena cava, the largest vein in your body, to catch the large blood clot before it reaches your lungs.
Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are special knee socks tight around the ankle and get looser toward the knee. The pressure caused by the stockings helps prevent blood from pooling in your veins. Compression stockings can be bought at a local drugstore, but a more specialized type may be advised depending on your DVT severity.

Have your Deep Venous Thrombosis treated at Tennessee Vein Center?
DVT is a concerning condition that can develop into something life-threatening. It’s best not to wait and see if you are concerned that you may have DVT. Having your condition examined under the guidance of an expert can help you get the issue under control. The vein health experts of Tennessee Vein Center can diagnose your venous concern, treat any condition they find and offer thorough advice so that the issue does not return. If you are concerned about your vein health, please contact us at (865) 233-5858 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.