Walsallccg.nhs.uk



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DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS

What is a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

A Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg.

Why do blood clots form in leg veins?

Blood normally flows quickly through veins and does not normally clot. People usually get a DVT as a result of damage to the blood vessels, slowing of the circulation and / or fast clotting of the blood.

These can result from:

|Being immobile for long periods of time |The contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) |

|General illness |Pregnancy |

|Surgical procedures |Faulty blood clotting |

|Injury to the legs |Ageing |

|Obesity |Long journeys by plane, train, etc |

What are the signs and symptoms of a DVT?

The typical signs and symptoms are severe pain, tenderness and swelling of the calf. Blood that would normally flow through the blocked veins is diverted to outer veins. The calf becomes warm and red. Sometimes there are no signs and symptoms.

What is the treatment of a DVT?

The aims of treatment are:

Ï% To ● To prevent clot from getting larger ● To reduce risk of post thrombosis syndrome

● To prevent further DVT in the future

Anticoagulation – preventing the clot from getting larger

Anticoagulation is often called ‘thinning the blood’. However, it does not actually thin the blood. It alters certain chemicals in the blood to stop clots forming so easily. Warfarin is the usual anticoagulant used and it takes a few days for the tablets to work fully.

The aim is to get the dose of Warfarin just right so the blood will not clot easily, but too much which may cause bleeding problems. You will need regular blood tests to begin with and then less frequently once the correct dose is found. Treatment can last for months, years or life long depending on your individual circumstances.

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