TriVita Article: Deep Vein Thrombosis

Summary of TriVita Article Deep Vein Thrombosis
(DVT; Thrombophlebitis)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a vein deep in the body. Veins are blood vessels with valves that help prevent backward blood flow. Blood is pushed through the veins in legs and arms when muscles contract.

Deposits of red blood cells and clotting elements in the blood can build up in a vein. This buildup leads to a blood clot. Clots usually occur in the legs but can occur in other locations. As the clot grows, it blocks blood flow in the vein.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

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Causes
Several factors contribute to clot formation, including:

• Slow blood flow, often due to lying or sitting still for an extended period of time
• Pooling of blood in a vein, often due to:
  • Immobility
  • Medical conditions
  • Damage to valves in a vein or pressure on the valves, such as during pregnancy
• Injury to a blood vessel
• Clotting problems (can occur due to aging or disease)
• Catheters placed in a vein

Treatment

Treatment aims to:

• Prevent pulmonary embolism
• Stop the clot from growing
• Dissolve the clot (sometimes)

Treatments include:

Supportive Care
This may include:

• Resting in bed
• Elevating the affected limb above the heart
• Wearing compression stockings as recommended by your doctor

A recent study of 103 patients in the hospital with DVT suggested that strict bed rest may not be necessary. In fact, early walking may be beneficial as long as adequate treatment with heparin and compression stockings are provided. *

Surgery
In some cases, a filter may be placed in the inferior vena cava. The vena cava is a major vein. Blood from the lower body returns to the heart through this vein. The filter may trap any clots that break loose before it travels to the lungs.

Prevention

General prevention measures include:

• Do not sit for long periods. If you are in a car or airplane or at a computer get up often and move around.
• Do not smoke.

If you are admitted to the hospital, talk to your doctor about how to prevent blood clots, such as:

• Get out of bed and walk as soon as possible during your recovery.
• If you are restricted to bed:
  • Do range of motion exercises in bed.
  • Change your position at least every two hours.
• Wear compression stockings to promote venous blood flow.
• Use a pneumatic compression device. This device uses air to compress your legs and help improve venous blood flow.

For more on this Topic see TriVita Deep Vein Thrombosis