Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

What is DVT?

A Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms usually in a deeper vein of the leg. This could be a life threatening condition. Sometimes these clots can break away and move through the blood system into vital organs of the body and can cause severe damage or death.

Possible Risk Factors of DVT

Prolonged patient immobility such as sitting for long periods of time is considered to be a risk factor associated with DVT. Patients with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain medication may also be of high risk for developing a deep vein thrombosis. This includes medications or conditions that affect the blood flow, change the normal clotting mechanism or cause blood vessel damage. Some of these conditions are:

• Cancer
• Hereditary blood clotting disorders
• Increasing age
• Major illnesses with hospitalization
• Obesity
• Oral contraceptives or hormonal therapy
• Previous history of DVT
• Pregnancy
• Recent history of surgery or trauma

Possible Symptoms of DVT

Many DVT episodes can remain asymptomatic and undetected. If symptoms do occur they will include pain, swelling, redness in the affected areas. Sudden onset of severe chest pain or trouble breathing may signify that a clot has moved to the lung. The presence of the above mentioned symptoms should be evaluated immediately by a physician.

Possible Ways to Reduce the Risk of DVT

All persons who are traveling for prolonged periods of time whether in a car or a plane should be well informed about the symptoms and discuss them with their physicians. To decrease the risk of DVT patients may be advised by their physicians to change positions regularly and periodically and move and stretch their legs and feet while seated for long periods of time.

Certain leg exercises described below should be performed at regular intervals at least every hour or so:

• If possible try to walk in the aisle of the a bus, plane or train
• If possible get isle seats or bulk head areas
• Avoid crossing legs at the ankles or knees
• Drink abundant non-diuretic fluids such as water, juice or milk and minimize alcohol and caffeine intake
• Wear loose fitting clothing
• Wear graduated compression stockings

In doing all the above suggested precautions may not guarantee that a blood clot will not form. Some of the measures mentioned above may not be recommended for some patients depending on their health situations.

Suggested Exercizes

• Ankle circles - draw circles in the air with your toes pointed in different directions and repeat for 30 seconds
• Foot pumps - point feet toward your head and push foot against the floor. Leave both heels high. Repeat for 30 seconds
• Knee lifts - while seated try to march in place by contracting the thigh muscles. Repeat for 30 seconds
• Knee to chest - lift your right and left knee alternatively and pull them to your chest. Hold for 10-15 seconds for 10 times

None of these exercises should be performed if they cause discomfort or if they are not recommended by your physician.