Some people call it the silent killer. This is because it develops slowly and often without symptoms. People who get it may die suddenly, leaving those around them shocked since there were no ill health indications. This monster is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
It occurs when clots develop in veins deep inside the body, most commonly in the legs and thighs. Clots could also occur in other parts of the body. This condition can cause life-threatening complications. If clots break up and travel to the pulmonary veins, they get blocked. This is known as pulmonary embolism. Large embolisms can be fatal.
Who is at risk of developing DVT? People who:
- Spend long hours seated at work, on a plane or in a car.
- Have a catheter placed in a vein.
- Smoke heavily.
- Are overweight.
- Are about to undergo surgery on the lower extremities.
- Are hospitalized and spend long hours bedridden.
- Have a genetic tendency toward blood clotting.
- Have experienced injury to veins or adjacent tissues.
- Are pregnant.
- Are over the age of 50 and have at least one other risk factor.
Worried about when to see a doctor? Check if there is:
- Paleness or a reddish or bluish colour on the skin over the affected area.
- Severe, unexplained pain in your foot and ankle.
- An area of skin that feels warmer than the skin on the surrounding areas.
- Tenderness in a localised area of the leg.
- Cramping pain in the affected leg that usually begins in your calf.
- Swelling in your foot, ankle, or leg, usually on one side.
However, avoid self- diagnosis. See your healthcare provider for tests (such as utrasound and D-dimer) to ascertain what you’re suffering from. Treatment options include anti-coagulants (blood thinners) and compression stockings.
Prevention of DVT can be done with simple lifestyle changes such as eliminating smoking, moving around in between hours spent sitting while at work or travelling, managing your blood pressure, avoiding tight clothes during long- distance travel, light walking after being bedridden, reducing your weight if you’re overweight and such like measures.
