How do you know if it is a deep vein thrombosis

How do you Know if it’s a Deep Vein Thrombosis?

How do you know if you’re dealing with a ‘regular’ blood clot or a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? You don’t without some diagnostic tests. However, based on location and symptoms, it may be possible for a physician to determine what type of blood clot you’re dealing with and its severity.

Never attempt self-diagnosis! If in doubt, schedule a visit with your doctor.

A stationary blood clot is called a thrombosis. Most commonly, this type of blood clot causes localized signs and symptoms such as heat on the skin over the affected area or discomfort over that area, which can range from tingling to throbbing to a numb sensation.

A deep vein thrombosis forms inside a deep vein, most commonly in the thigh or calf muscles. Because it is so deep, an individual may not experience any signs or symptoms. However, the dangerous thing about a DVT is that it has the potential to break off, in part or in whole, and travel through the blood vessels.

Clot behavior

Clots, regardless of what type they are, all have the potential to slow arterial or venous blood flow. They can even block blood vessels. A blood clot that breaks away from the vessel has the potential to travel to the lungs, where it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE) or damage to the blood vessels that reduce the ability to oxygenate blood returning to the heart.

A blood clot that enters a blood vessel that supplies blood to the heart can cause a heart attack. A blood clot that travels through vessels supplying the brain can cause seizures or strokes.

Symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis

A deep vein thrombosis may cause swelling or a sensation of deeper leg pain, most typically in the calf muscle or the thigh. However, a DVT can be asymptomatic or exist without symptoms. Primary contributing factors to the development of a DVT include long periods of inactivity such as an extremely sedentary lifestyle, or a surgical procedure and its recovery period, or accidents that require a long healing process.

Primary symptoms of DVT include:

  • Redness or skin discoloration on the affected area of the leg
  • Pain in the leg – pain can be described as tingling, throbbing, burning, or cramping
  • A sensation of warmth in the localized area or the affected leg
  • Swelling may occur in the affected leg

It’s important for individuals to know that a DVT occurs without any symptoms. So how do you know when it’s time to see a doctor? If you notice anything different going on with your leg.

A DVT is a serious condition. Individuals with cardiovascular issues, dealing with post-surgical or injury rehabilitation, immobility, or illness are at risk of developing a DVT.

Related Posts

turmeric
Education

The Connection Between Turmeric and Fighting Off Blood Clots

Turmeric has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. But did you know that this bright orange spice may also play a role in preventing and fighting off blood clots? Blood clots are a serious health concern, as they can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening conditions. In

Read More »
vitamins
Education

Risky Business: Vitamins that Can Increase Your Blood Clot Risk

Vitamins are essential for maintaining good health and preventing various diseases. However, while they are usually associated with positive health benefits, there are certain vitamins that can increase the risk of blood clots. Blood clots are a serious health concern that can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening conditions. In this blog post,

Read More »
cupcake
Education

6 Sneaky Foods That Increase Your Risk of Blood Clots

Foods play a vital role in our overall health, providing us with the necessary nutrients and energy to keep our bodies functioning properly. However, not all foods are created equal, and some can even pose a threat to our health. In particular, there are certain foods that can increase our risk of developing blood clots,

Read More »
food
Education

The Surprising Foods that can Lower Your Risk of Blood Clots

When it comes to maintaining our overall health, one of the most important things we can do is pay attention to our diet. While many of us are aware of the impact that certain foods can have on our cholesterol levels or blood pressure, there is another health concern that can be affected by our

Read More »
DVT
Education

DVT Post-Surgery: Warning Signs and Symptoms You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Surgery is a common and necessary procedure for many individuals. While it can improve overall health and well-being, there are also risks and complications that can arise, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs. It can

Read More »
airplane
Education

High flyers beware: Preventing blood clots while taking flight

As the holiday season approaches and many people prepare to travel by plane, it’s important to address a potential health risk that comes with flying: blood clots. While flying may be a convenient and efficient mode of transportation, it also poses a threat of developing blood clots due to prolonged periods of sitting and decreased

Read More »
Scroll to Top