The body needs to move and stay active constantly throughout a person’s life. Many medical professionals advise doing this as crucial to maintaining the overall health of the veins. These blood pathways are essential for carrying oxygen to the heart. Specifically, deep veins are located near the bones and transfer blood faster than superficial veins, which are found near the skin.
When deep veins cannot do their job well, it can lead to severe complications in blood circulation. Some diseases that could develop are venous insufficiencies, where blood pools in the veins. Others include abnormalities resulting from blood clots forming in the venous system, developing into deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
DVT occurs when blood clots obstruct blood circulation in deep veins, typically in the legs. When these blood clots develop, these veins cannot adequately circulate blood to the heart like they’re supposed to. DVT can be especially dangerous because it can lead to pulmonary embolism forming. This disease happens when a blood clot affects blood circulation in the lungs. If you suspect you have pulmonary embolism, you must seek emergency help immediately.
According to the CDC, in the United States, thousands of people die from DVT in as little as one month or less after being diagnosed. The organization also states, “Among people who have had a DVT, one-third to one-half will have long-term complications.” The large amount of patients who suffer from DVT is still ever present in the U.S.
With that being said, understanding the symptoms of a disease can save a person's life with DVT. However, many symptoms cannot be pinpointed to it being caused by the disease unless a doctor thoroughly examines the affected area. Frequently, when they diagnose a person with the disease, it is a result of the following symptoms:
There are many deep vein thrombosis causes, and knowing them is vital to take preventative measures. One of the crucial ways to do so is through physical activity. However, if you sit down for a long time, your muscles will not contract. When this happens, your deep veins can be blocked from blood clots developing.
Another type of sedentary lifestyle that could risk DVT forming is working a day job that requires sitting for long hours. Inactivity also includes people playing video games in one spot. Even business travel can pose a risk since people are not moving their legs that much while flying or driving.
Being pregnant is another risk factor for DVT. When someone is pregnant, the number of sex hormones, including estrogen, in the body will increase. When this happens, their risk of obtaining blood clots increases. More risk factors include genetics. When a parent has suffered from DVT, their children could also get it at some point in their lives.
If you or a loved one believe that you may be suffering from DVT, we at BASS: South Valley Vascular are here for you! You do not have to experience this alone, and our vascular treatments improve each patient's quality of life. To request a consultation, you can call us at our south valley lines or send a request on our contact page!
