What is DVT?

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DVT is the acronym for Deep Vein Thrombosis, which refers to a blood clot that occurs in one of the body’s deep veins. These blood clots typically occur in the large vein that is located in the calf and thigh muscles.

DVT may cause inflammation and pain around the affected leg and may cause pulmonary embolism and other medical complications. Pulmonary embolism refers to the condition wherein a piece of the blood clot blocks a blood vessel located in the lungs because it breaks off into the bloodstream. The health condition which combines DVT and pulmonary embolism is referred to as venous thromboembolism.

Anyone can acquire DVT, but as people age, their risk of developing this condition also increases. Aside from age, other factors which may affect the susceptibility to this condition include family history of blood clots, inactivity (e.g., after undergoing a medical operation), obesity, heart failure, being overweight, and cancer.

Some of the most common symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include inflammation around the leg that is accompanied by a heavy feeling in the affected area, as well as pain. However, there are some cases wherein the patient does not experience any symptoms. With this, it is important to know the signs as well as the risk factors of the medical condition. Once a person suspects that he has a blood clot, it is recommended to seek professional medical advice immediately.

DVT can be treated with the use of anticoagulant medications and compression stockings. Anticoagulant medicines can lessen the blood’s ability to clot, while compression stockings are advised to be worn everyday in order to reduce the adverse symptoms and prevent the occurrence of other medical complications.

There are many things that a person can do to avoid developing deep vein thrombosis. Some of these include quitting smoking, walking regularly to enhance blood circulation around the legs, and losing and maintaining a healthy weight. There is no sufficient evidence which may prove that taking aspirin can lessen the risk of acquiring DVT.

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