Some vein problems, such as varicose veins, are often little more than cosmetic concerns. But for some people, varicose veins can be a symptom of a larger vein issue or circulation problem, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT affects millions of people per year, and according to the Centers for Disease Control, can recur in about 30 percent of patients.  Although DVT can happen to anyone, there are a variety of factors that can increase your risk for the condition. Find out if you are at risk for DVT.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Risk Factors

Elevated Hormone Levels

Elevated estrogen levels can increase your risk for developing DVT. Taking hormonal birth control pills or using another hormone based method of birth control often increases the blood’s clotting ability. The elevated hormone levels associated with pregnancy can also put a woman at an increased risk for DVT, up to six weeks after the birth of the baby. Women who are taking hormone replacement therapy may also have an elevated risk.

Injury to a Vein

Some types of injury, such as a bone fracture or muscle injury, can also cause damage to the veins, increasing a person’s risk for DVT. In some cases, the stress put on the body by major surgery, especially surgery in the abdominal, hip or leg area, can also raise the risk for DVT.

Reduced Blood Flow

Good blood flow or circulation helps reduce the likelihood of clots forming. There are several instances when circulation can be interrupted or slowed down. For example, if you need to sit still for long periods of time, such as on a long plane ride or because of bed rest, it is more difficult for the blood to pump from your legs back to your heart. The stalled circulation can make it more likely that a clot will develop. 

Genetics or Family History

Some people have an increased risk for DVT because they have a family history of the condition or of pulmonary embolisms. It’s also possible to have a higher than average risk for DVT due to an inherited blood clotting disorder. In some circumstances, a combination of factors, such as an inherited disorder combined with taking birth control pills, increase risk.

Other Risk Factors

Remember that DVT can happen to anyone, even if that person doesn’t have any of the above risk factors. Often times, simply getting older can be enough to raise the risk for the condition, as can having certain diseases or being overweight.

Often, vein treatment for DVT involves finding ways to break up the clot. Varicose vein treatment, such as wearing compression stockings, can help prevent symptoms of Post-thrombotic syndrome from occurring. If you are worried about DVT or other venous issues, scheduling an appointment at a vein clinic to discuss your treatment options with vein doctors and vascular surgeons is a good idea.

St. Louis Vein & Endovascular has several locations in Missouri. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. Fortunately, with the proper vein treatment, complications of DVT can be prevented.

What is DVT?

DVT occurs when a blood clot develops within a vein located deep inside the body, obstructing the flow of blood. This condition can occur anywhere in the body, but it is most common in the leg. If DVT isn’t properly treated, pulmonary embolism can occur. With pulmonary embolism, the blood clot breaks free, travels through the veins and blocks blood flow in the lungs. This condition can be fatal.

The symptoms of DVT may vary. However, some of the most common symptoms include aching, swelling, cramps and tenderness. In some cases, DVT can occur without producing any symptoms. If DVT is left untreated for a significant amount of time, another complication known as “post-thrombotic syndrome” can occur. This condition is characterized by pain, itching, heaviness, tingling, ulcer, discoloration, varicose veins and swelling.

Treatment for DVT

When vein doctors discover DVT, they can treat it using a technique known as “thrombolytic therapy.” This treatment utilizes an injection of clot-dissolving medication, which breaks down the clot and restores the healthy flow of blood. This medication may flow through the blood vessels, or vascular surgeons may deliver the medication directly to the clot using a catheter. Some catheters used for this purpose also include attachments that help to break up the clot mechanically.

If DVT progresses to post-thrombotic syndrome, additional treatments may be necessary. For example, if the clot leads to the development of varicose veins, varicose vein treatment may be used to alleviate the symptoms.

What Should I Do if I Have DVT?

If you have been experiencing the symptoms of DVT, or if you have other reasons to believe that you may have a blood clot deep in your veins, you need to seek treatment from a vein clinic immediately. Please contact St. Louis Vein & Endovascular to make an appointment with an experienced vein doctor.