16911 Deep Vein Thrombosis Dvt

Overview

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. It can block blood flow and cause swelling and pain. If the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it can be life-threatening.

Yes, DVT is fairly common. It affects about 1 in 1,000 people each year.

DVT can happen at any age, but it is more common in adults over 60. It also affects people who have been immobile, had surgery, are pregnant, or have certain health conditions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Swelling in one leg or arm
• Pain or tenderness in the calf or thigh, often when standing or walking
• Warm skin over the swollen area
• Red or darkened skin on the leg
• Enlarged veins that feel hard or painful

Symptoms in children

• DVT is rare in children, but signs may be similar: a swollen, warm, or painful limb.
• Children may not describe the pain clearly, so watch for changes in how they use the limb (for example, limping).

Symptoms in older adults

• Symptoms in older adults can be harder to notice. The main sign might be swelling in one leg with little or no pain.
• Sometimes the first symptom of a DVT in an older person is sudden breathlessness or faintness, which means a clot has reached the lungs.

Causes

Main causes

• Damage to the inner lining of a vein (for example, from injury, surgery, or a needle)
• Slow blood flow, often from lying still for long periods or sitting for hours without moving
• The blood being more likely to clot than normal, which can happen due to illness, cancer, or hormone changes

Risk factors

• Being in hospital or bedridden for a long time
• Having surgery, especially on the hip, knee, or lower body
• Sitting for long journeys (by car, bus, plane, or train)
• Pregnancy and the 6 weeks after giving birth
• Using combined hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy
• Overweight or obesity
• Smoking
• Cancer or cancer treatment
• A family history of blood clots
• Age over 60

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor or go to an urgent care clinic the same day if you have swelling, pain, or warmth in one leg or arm.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are worried about a blood clot after a long trip or have mild symptoms that come and go, make a routine appointment with your GP.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any risk factors. They will examine the affected limb. To confirm, they will usually order a blood test and an ultrasound scan.

Tests that may be done

• D-dimer blood test: measures a protein fragment that is present when a blood clot is breaking down. A high level may mean a clot is present, but this test alone is not enough to diagnose DVT.
• Ultrasound scan (duplex ultrasonography): uses sound waves to show blood flow in your veins and look for clots. This is the most common test to confirm a DVT.
• Sometimes a venogram (an X-ray dye test) or a CT scan may be used if the ultrasound is not clear.

What to expect at your appointment

You may be referred to a hospital or a same-day clinic. They will do the tests, and if a DVT is found, you will start treatment that day to stop the clot from growing.

Treatment

The main treatment for DVT is a type of medicine called an anticoagulant (or blood thinner). These medicines stop blood clots from growing and help your body break them down slowly. Treatment, for most people, lasts at least 3 to 6 months.

Self-care at home

• Keep moving as much as your doctor advises. Do not lie still for long periods.
• Elevate your leg when resting to help reduce swelling.
• Wear compression stockings if your doctor recommends them.
• Do not massage the affected leg.
• See a physiotherapist if you need help getting back to your usual activity.

Medical treatments

Anticoagulant medicines are given as injections, tablets, or sometimes both. The type and duration depend on your situation. Your doctor will explain how to take the medicine and for how long. These medicines increase the risk of bleeding, so you will be monitored regularly. You should never stop taking them without speaking to your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for DVT. It may be used if a very large clot is affecting blood flow in the limb, or if anticoagulant medicines cannot be used. This could involve removing the clot or placing a filter in the large vein in the abdomen to prevent clots reaching the lungs.

Living with this condition

Take your medicine exactly as prescribed. Keep all follow-up appointments and blood tests. Look out for signs of unusual bleeding, like blood in urine or stools, and tell your doctor if you notice them.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active with regular walking or other exercise approved by your doctor.
• On long journeys, stand up, stretch, and move your legs every 1–2 hours.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• If you are prescribed compression stockings, wear them during the day.
• Maintain a healthy weight and stop smoking.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Regular exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling helps improve blood flow. Before starting any new exercise, ask your doctor what is safe for you.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having a blood clot can be worrying. You may feel anxious about another clot, especially during treatment. It is normal to have these feelings. Talk to your healthcare team about your concerns.

Prevention

For many people, DVT can be prevented by keeping active, not sitting for too long, staying hydrated, and following medical advice after surgery. If you are at higher risk, your doctor may recommend compression stockings or short-term anticoagulant treatment.

Complications

If left untreated

• Pulmonary embolism: a clot that travels to the lungs, which can be life-threatening
• Post-thrombotic syndrome: long-term leg pain, swelling, and skin changes after a DVT
• Rarely, chronic damage to the vein that affects mobility

Long-term outlook

With prompt diagnosis and treatment, most people with DVT recover completely. Treatment greatly reduces the risk of a clot reaching the lungs. Even if you have aftereffects, there are many ways to manage them and stay active.

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