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There's a serious condition that when caught in time, is treatable. It's knowing the different symptoms that's half the battle.
Each year, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) kills more than 100,000 people in the United Statesaccording to the National Broodclot Alliance.
DVT is a blood clot that forms in one of the big veins in the body, typically the leg or lung, according to Dr. Ali Kimyaghalam, vascular surgeon at Trumbull Regional Medical Center.
"If left untreated, it can partially or completely stop the flow of blood via a vein and lead to serious complications," he said.
Warning signs pointing to DVT aren't always directly apparent to blood circulation.
According to Kimyaghalam, the most common symptoms are leg swelling and shortness of breath. "Should you feel swelling in the leg you need to see a health care provider immediately, either your primary care physician or one in the emergency room who will refer you to a vascular surgeon." Dr. Ali says, "if ignored and untreated, it can lead to certain death."
There are a number of ways DVT is caused. Those include vein damage from surgery inflammation, infection or injury.
Other risk factors include immobility, medical conditions, pregnancy, obesity, smoking and family history.
DVT is common following an extended hospital stay, as the patient is in bed and not moving around, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Age isn't necessarily an indication of who experiences blood clots.
"I've treated patients in their 20s all the way up to their 90s," Kimyaghalam said.
A way to identify blood clots is remembering "STOP the CLOT": Swelling in the leg, tenderness or leg cramping, out of breath, passing out or feeling lightheaded, chest pain, leg discoloration (red / blue hue), overdrive (racing heart), and time to call 911 if you experience any of these symptoms.
Multiple surgical treatments can alleviate blood clots, the doctor said.
One way is to use a catheter, focusing on where large blood clots are located. A mesh funnel expands, removing the clot.
Patients who have surgery due to a blood clot aren't out of commission for an extended time, Kimyaghalam said. "Recovery from surgery is quick, just a day or two."
To ward off DVT the most important thing is to stay active, especially during long periods of immobility. Physician may introduce patients to blood thinners to prevent clot growth and reduce the risk of a pulmonary embolism, Kimyaghalam said.
In addition to blood thinners, compression socks may be used, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
There are risks of complications that stem from DVT.
The most serious complication is a pulmonary embolism when a piece of the blood clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, light headedness and coughing up blood.
To ward off DVT the most important thing is to stay active, especially during long periods of immobility.
Another important component is staying hydrated, even when traveling, according the Cleveland Clinic.
The signs to look out for …
STOP the CLOT
• Swelling in the leg.
• Tenderness or leg cramping.
• Out of breath.
• Passing out or feeing lightheaded.
• Chest pain.
• Leg discoloration (red / blue hue).
• Overdrive (racing heart).
• Time to call 911 if you experience any of these symptoms.
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