What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

The venous blood formed in our body is delivered to the right atrium and ventricle through the veins. From here, it goes to the lungs to be oxygenated and returns to the left atrium and ventricle as arterial blood. Then it is pumped into the whole body through the aorta, the main artery from the heart.

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that occurs in a deep vein in the body. Deep vein thrombosis is usually in the lower leg, thigh part of the buttocks. If a part of the clot breaks off and circulates in the blood, it can block the blood flow in the lungs and cause the person's death. The prevalence of deep vein thrombosis worldwide ranks third among cardiovascular diseases and follows ischemic heart diseases and stroke.

Deep Vein Thrombosis is also called;

Venous thrombosis,
Blood clots in the legs,
Venous thromboembolism: This term is used for both the "deep vein thrombosis" and "pulmonary embolism."

Deep Vein Thrombosis Hazard: Pulmonary Embolism

If the blood clot reaches the lungs through the veins and prevents the blood flow, it is called "pulmonary embolism." Pulmonary embolism is a condition that has critical consequences. It can cause damage to the lungs and other parts of the body and lead to death. However, blood clots can also occur in veins closer to the skin surface. However, these clots are not likely to break up and cause "pulmonary embolism."

Among the symptoms of pulmonary embolism are;

Low blood pressure,
Fast heart rate,
Chest pain,
Fainting,
Spitting blood.

The person with these symptoms must immediately apply to the nearest hospital.

Those at Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Some factors increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. These factors are listed in the section below.

If a person has more than one of these factors, his/her risk of suffering from deep vein thrombosis increases:

The person's history of deep vein thrombosis,
Injury to a deep vein as a result of a broken bone, surgery, or other trauma,
Recently applied or ongoing cancer treatment,
Pregnancy and the first six weeks after birth,
Being overweight or obese,
Being over 60 years old,
Slow blood flow due to immobility in a deep vein,
Disorders or factors that thicken the blood or cause blood to clot easily than the usual process - some hereditary blood disorders, hormone therapy, and the use of birth control pills can cause this condition.
Central venous catheter.

Tests Performed in Diagnosing the Deep Vein Thrombosis

Doctors recommend some tests to determine whether the person has deep vein thrombosis or not.

The tests most commonly used in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis are as follows:

Ultrasonography,
Venography,
D-dimer Test.

Furthermore, the magnetic resonance imaging (MR) and the computed tomography (CT) scan are among other less commonly used tests to diagnose deep vein thrombosis. These tests provide a picture of the person's organs and tissues. If the doctor suspects that the person has a pulmonary embolism, he/she may recommend other tests such as the lung ventilation-perfusion scan (VQ scan).

Moreover, the person may be asked to have a blood test to check whether he/she has an inherited blood clotting disorder because, as stated, hereditary disorders can cause deep vein thrombosis.