Just imagine. You’ve just had a long trip during this vacation season to see family. You’ve been seated for 4 hoursstraight. “Owww!” you utter. You look down and notice that one of your calves is twice as big as the other. It’s throbbing, swollen, warm, and much more red than the other leg. You must be wondering what I’m leading up to. Blood clots. I’m sure you’ve heard of them. More specifically a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
What exactly is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? It’s a medical condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in adeep vein, most commonly in the lower legs or thighs. While DVT can be asymptomatic, it carries serious risks. One risk in particular is a pulmonary embolism, which happens if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, which can be life-threatening.
But what are some risk factors for a DVT? Well, a DVT typically arises when blood flow in the veins becomes sluggishor abnormal, leading to clot formation. Several factors can contribute to the development of DVT: immobility or prolonged bed rest, trauma/Injury, underlying medical conditions, age, gender, obesity and sedentary lifestyles, and smoking. The most important factor for this article and perhaps for you too - immobility. The holidays are just around the corner and be it by car or plane, lots of people will venture onto long rides. This extended period of immobility, especially if one doesn’t get up and walk every few hours, will lead to an increase in the risk of clot formation due to reduced blood circulation in the veins. Now this doesn’t mean everyone who takes a 5-hour trip will get a DVT, but it does mean you’re at a higher risk. This risk increases even more if you have any of the other risk factors in addition to the immobility.
These include a recently broken lower extremity, an inflammatory condition like Crohn’s disease, being over the age of 60, being pregnant, someone on birth control, or most common of all a smoker.
Occasionally a DVT can occur without noticeable symptoms, but several signs may indicate the presence of a blood clot in the deep veins. Those symptoms include swelling, pain/tenderness, redness or discolored skin, and warmth. Usually, these symptoms only occur on one extremity. But, it is important to note that not all people with DVT will experience symptoms, and some cases may remain undiagnosed until complications, such as a pulmonary embolism(PE), arise.
What’s a pulmonary embolism (PE)? Quick anatomy lesson - our veins all connect and lead to the heart, the right side.From the right side of the heart, the blood goes to the lungs to become oxygenated. Thus, the most serious complication of DVT is pulmonary embolism (PE), which occurs when a blood clot breaks free from the vein and travels to the lungs. A PE can block blood flow to the lungs, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and, in severecases, death.
Are there treatments? DVTs are treatable if you notice the signs above and seek medical care. For example, we have medications called blood thinners that prevent the clots from growing bigger and in cases of emergencies surgeries are available.
What can YOU do to prevent a DVT from occurring? If you don't have an underlying medical condition, the answer is simple. Frequent movement of the legs and avoiding prolonged immobility can help maintain healthy circulation. The simplest form of movement would be walking, which can reduce the risk of clot formation. Dehydration can also increase blood viscosity (thickenss), making clot formation more likely, so staying hydrated is a good tip. Finally, ifyou’re thinking about taking a long plane or car ride, wear compression stockings if possible.
Now that you know what a DVT is and the risks it poses, I would advise you all to stay vigilant. Take breaks on these long plane or car rides to get some fresh air and walk around every few hours, especially if you already have some ofthe risk factors. Now that you all know how to stay safe this holiday season and going forward, I would like to wish all of you a happy and healthy holiday season!
Dr. Colin is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.
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