Saturday, December 24, 2016

The Truth About Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Blood Clot Forms in the Vein Deep in the Muscle If you sit in a small space for a long time--more than 4 hours--you can get one. Take this simple test to lower your chances of DVT when you buckle up for long-distance trips. Drink lots of water, wear loose clothing, and get up often, walking around to stretch. If you're at risk for blood clots, ask your doctor if you should take aspirin before traveling. Most Clots Form in the Lower Legs and Thighs You can also get them in your arm, pelvis and other veins. DVT can form if the blood moves too slowly, if the vein is damaged, or there is a problem with your blood. Half of People have DVT Without Symptoms Call your doctor right away if ohe or both legs are swollen, one leg hurts or tender. Check and see if both legs are the same size. If one is bigger, it could be due to a clot. Another sign of DVT is the skin in one of your legs feels warm or looks red or discolored. Two Main Kinds of Clots The two forms of DVT are those that form deep in the veins and those that show up in the arteries. The ones in the arteries can cause heart attacks and strokes. DVT clots don't, but can still be dangerous. They can move through the blood, the blood vessels in the lungs--called a pulmonary embolism--you can die from it, so it is important to get treatment right away. It Can Happen After Leg and Hip Surgery Because the operation affects how the blood flows and clots, you are at great risk for DVT up to 10 days after surgery. But don't worry--your doctor can tell you how to prevent it. He or she may suggest you move around as soon as you can. He may give you medicines to help your blood move. Or he may give you compression stockings to help with blood flow. If You Have DVT--There Is a Good Chance Your Doctor May Give You a Blood Thinner Medication Blood thinners help to stop clots from getting bigger and keep them from moving. It also keeps them from forming, but it doesn't break them up. Most people get better with blood thinners and stockings may help with swelling and blood flow so over time the clots will dissolve and disappear. Another Reason to Shed Extra Weight Obesity increases your odds of getting DVT. It is better to prevent it than treat it. If you're not active now--ask your doctor about starting an exercise regimen. If you smoke, ask about quitting. Get up often from your chair at work or home and take short walks. Work your leg muscles to help pump blood toward the heart. Guys Over 50 Are Most Likely to Get DVT Women are also at higher risk for blood clots if they are pregnant or on the pill. Source www.webmd.com/dvt/rm-quiz-deep-vein-thrombosis

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