VTE (Venous Thrombosis) is a blood clot in a deep vein that blocks blood flow. It usually occurs in the legs, causing pain and swelling. If the blood clot breaks off and blocks the lungs, it can cause chest pain, coughing or coughing up blood, dizziness, unconsciousness, rapid breathing, and irregular heartbeats. This is a serious and life-threatening condition. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
Deep vein thrombosis is divided into two types: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which usually occurs in the legs, and Pulmonary Embolism (PE), which usually occurs when the blood clot breaks through the bloodstream and blocks a vein in the lungs, and is more serious than the first condition.
Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Symptoms of this condition often depend on the location of the body part that is blocked by the blood clot. Some people with DVT may not have any symptoms. However, some people may have pain, swelling, redness, and a feeling of warmth in the leg or body part that is blocked by the blood clot. People with PE may have chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing or coughing up blood, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and irregular heartbeats.
Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis often occurs in areas where blood flow is impaired, either by slowing or changing direction. This can be caused by the following factors:
- Long periods of inactivity, such as during travel or while recovering from surgery.
- Health problems such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, obesity, immunodeficiency, and conditions that increase blood concentration
- Medical treatment procedures such as surgery, especially knee and hip surgery, cancer treatment with chemotherapy, hormone replacement therapy, etc.
However, some groups of people may be at higher risk of VTE than the general population, including those with a family history of blood clots, those aged 60 years and older, those taking birth control pills, regular smokers, and pregnant women.
Diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis
At first, the doctor will ask about symptoms and perform a preliminary physical examination, as patients with this condition may have visible swelling and redness of the skin. If it is assessed that the patient is likely to have VTE, additional diagnosis may be made, such as blood tests to measure the amount of blood cells, platelets, various substances in the blood, and D Dimer, etc., because the blood of patients with this condition often has abnormal amounts of these substances. However, the diagnosis of PE and DVT are different. The diagnosis of DVT can be made as follows:
- Ultrasound is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal organs to detect blood clots in veins, especially in the leg veins.
- In a blood test, your doctor will inject a contrast dye into a vein in your foot or ankle and then take an X-ray to look for abnormalities in the veins in your leg.
The diagnosis of PE is made using the following methods:
- A chest X-ray is a procedure that uses radiation to create images of internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, or bones surrounding the lungs, to check for any abnormalities.
- An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test to measure the rate at which electrical activity in the heart is transmitted.
- Pulmonary angiography involves making a small incision and inserting a special instrument into a vein. A dye is then injected to help visualize the veins in the lungs.
- Computerized Tomography Scan (CT Scan) This scan can create cross-sectional images of the lungs, allowing doctors to see the blood vessels in the lungs in great detail.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) This method creates clear images of the veins and organs in the chest, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis.
Treatment of deep vein thrombosis
The treatment method for VTE depends primarily on the severity of the symptoms. Most patients with PE thrombosis present to the doctor with emergencies, so the doctor must first save the patient’s life. The severity of the symptoms and the patient’s health are then assessed. Treatment usually begins with anticoagulants, which slow down blood clotting. There are two types: warfarin and heparin, which can be administered as tablets or injections, depending on the doctor’s discretion. In cases where the patient has low blood pressure or shock, the doctor may prescribe fluids along with considering blood thinning medications, which can quickly dissolve blood clots in the target organ. However, patients whose physical condition is not suitable for medication may need to undergo surgery to remove the blood clot.
Patients with DVT usually have mild symptoms, so they can be treated supportively according to their symptoms. Normally, doctors will recommend that patients take anticoagulants and should take them continuously for 3-6 months , or longer if they have had a previous blood clot. However, this type of medication can cause easy bleeding as a side effect. Doctors may need to check the patient’s blood periodically to assess whether the amount of medication taken is too much or too little. In some cases, doctors may consider prescribing blood thinning medication as well.
In addition to medication, there are many other ways to treat VTE, such as placing a blood clot filter in a large vein to catch a blood clot that is moving to the lungs, or wearing support stockings to stimulate better blood flow, which will help prevent blood clots or swelling. But they must be worn at all times, removed only when bathing and sleeping.
Complications of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Blood clots that block deep veins in various parts of the body can break through the bloodstream and block a vein in the lungs, disrupting blood flow to the lungs and gas exchange, affecting the patient’s breathing and potentially life-threatening. In addition, patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may be at risk for post-stroke, a condition in which a blood clot damages a vein’s valves and reduces the rate of blood flow.
Prevention of deep vein thrombosis
Long-term inactivity is one of the main factors that cause VTE. Patients who need to be hospitalized should get up and move as soon as possible. For patients who are at risk of VTE or have a history of this condition, doctors may recommend taking anticoagulants, wearing support stockings, or using a device to squeeze the blood to stimulate normal blood flow. In addition to the risk group, the general public can also adjust their behavior to reduce the risk of blood clots. This can be done by controlling weight within the standard range, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and following the following recommendations when traveling on airplanes or in cars for a long time.
- Get up and walk around every 1-2 hours , try not to cross your legs, and stretch your legs often to help improve blood circulation.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid drinking alcohol.
- Avoid smoking before your trip.
- Avoid taking medications that cause drowsiness to prevent staying in the same position for too long.
- Taking aspirin may help reduce your risk, but always consult your doctor before taking it.
