Patient Information on Dvt

According to the National Institute of Heath, Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a person has a vein with a blood clot. Often, DVT occurs in a person's lower legs.

Risks

• People who have been on bedrest, smoke, have fractures, gave birth recently, take hormonal medications, are obese, had a recent surgery or sat for prolonged periods (such as a long car ride or on a plane), are at an increased risk for DVT.

Significance

• DVT is a serious medical condition because the blood clot which has formed in the patient's vein can break and end up in her lungs.

Tests

• Ultrasounds, MRI scans, blood tests, are common tests used to detect DVT. In addition, doctors can also insert dye into a patient and use an X-ray to detect DVT.

Treatment

• Blood thinners, such as heparin, are often given to patients who have DVT.

Prevention

• Doctors can prescribe blood thinners to patients who are at a high risk category to help prevent DVT. Additionally, wearing compression stockings if on bed rest and staying mindful of moving your legs on long trips can also help prevent DVT.