A blood clot is the layman’s term for Deep Vein Thrombosis. This condition can occur when one or more blood clots form within the deep veins of the circulatory system (most commonly in the legs). It can result in swelling, tenderness, and pain in the legs but oftentimes presents no noticeable symptoms.

DVTs have a greater likelihood of developing if you have certain medical conditions which can affect clotting. They can also form if you are sedentary for extended periods of time, such as being confined to bedrest, if you are taking hormone therapy, or are late term in pregnancy. DVT risk is also heightened if you smoke, are over 60, are overweight, or sit for extended periods of time.

If you suspect you may have a clot it needs to be medically addressed quickly. Blood clots in your veins are dangerous. They can break loose allowing them to travel through your circulatory system. If the clot reaches your lungs it can cause a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolisms can be life-threatening, but prompt treatment can greatly reduce the risk of death. The very best treatment is prevention. If you suspect you may have deep vein issues consult a specialist as soon as possible.

Signs you may be experiencing a DVT

• Extremely tired legs
• Visible veins
• Warm or red skin on one or both legs
• Swelling in one or both legs
• Pain or tenderness in one or both legs

When to consider going straight to the ER

• Sudden onset cough (especially if you are not otherwise sick)
• Cough that produces blood
• Sharp chest pains
• Rapid short shallow breathing
• Lightheadedness

How is a DVT Diagnosed?

Ultrasound: A duplex ultrasound is a non-invasive painless test. The doctor will put a warm gel on your skin and then rub the ultrasound wand over the area where the clot is suspected. Ultrasound sends sound waves into your body and relays the echoes to a computer, which shows images of your blood vessels and if there is a clot. Ultrasound detection is most compatible with medium-to-surface vein issues.

Venography: Venography is a specialized X-ray that is used along with a radioactive dye injection placed into a vein on the top of your foot. This allows the vein to be seen visibly making it easy to detect a clot. It’s more accurate than an ultrasound.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):  If it is suspected the clot may be deeper within your pelvis or thighs where the body is thicker your doctor may opt to use an MRI. During an MRI imaging session, you will lie very still on a narrow table that slides into the imaging tube. Inside of the tubal encasement radio waves and a strong magnetic field create a detailed picture of the interior of your body visible for analysis on the computer screen for the technicians and doctor to analyze.

What happens if you are found to have a blood clot?

Tampa Cardiology Associates recommend and perform the following procedures for the treatment of DVT:

Self-Care
Simple actions or lifestyle changes can often make a world of difference in many DVT patients after the initial clot is treated to prevent future clots. Recommended home treatments can include adding frequent walks daily, wearing compression stockings, and elevating the legs. It is important to note that DVT cannot be cured with at-home therapy, but lifestyle changes can help to reduce symptoms and prevent future complications.

Medication
DVT is often treated with blood thinners. This form of medication helps in preventing existing clots from growing larger and any future clots from taking form.

Thrombectomy/Thrombolysis
Surgical or non-surgical removal of blood clots. The Tampa Cardiology Associates are experienced in non-surgical catheter-based techniques of clot removal from both the legs and the lungs (AngioJet, Catheter-directed thrombolytics (clot-busting medications), and Angiovac).

IVC Filter Placement
An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a temporary medical device that is required if a patient cannot tolerate blood thinners. The IVC filter is implanted to trap blood clots, preventing them from traveling to the lungs.

Blood clots are not a condition where a wait-and-see approach is in the best interest of health, if you are having any of these symptoms be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.  Tampa Cardiovascular Associates invites you to call us at 813-975-2800 or contact us through the web. https://tampacardio.com/contact-us/. If it is an emergency, please dial 911 or go to the nearest ER.