Don't Ignore These Signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis

There’s a reason that deep vein thrombosis is called “the silent killer.” It can attack without warning, suddenly blocking your blood flow and endangering your life.

If you’re over the age of 60 and your venous health isn’t A+, you should be educating yourself about deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT can pose a threat to your health and even your life, and the chances of an event only go up with age.

At Apex Endovascular, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Dr. Shawn Ahmed provides vascular health support and can help you identify if you’re at high risk for DVT. He also offers interventional vascular care if you’re in serious danger of deep vein thrombosis.

Why DVT is so dangerous

Deep vein thrombosis happens when a blood clot (thrombus) develops in a deep vein inside of one of your legs. The clot poses a risk to your health, which can turn very serious very quickly if it breaks free and starts to travel through your bloodstream.

If it gets stuck in your lung, you could end up with a pulmonary embolism (PE). A PE can lead to serious damage to your lung tissue or other organs, or even cardiac arrest.

To avoid these severe and potentially fatal outcomes, you need to know the warning signs that you’re at risk for DVT.

Early signs of DVT

Many people develop DVT but don’t know it until the clot breaks free and heads for their lungs. However, there can be early signs if you’re vigilant about paying attention. Any of these symptoms in your leg indicates that you should seek immediate medical care:

Swelling or painful cramps in your calf
Heat and or swelling in one leg (most especially the left leg)
A single point of very discolored skin on your calf

It’s possible to have DVT with no symptoms at all until a PE occurs. If you have sudden-onset shortness of breath, dizziness, and/or intense chest pain, call 911 immediately.

Common risk factors for DVT

There are plenty of risk factors for DVT.

Family history

Knowing your family history is key. If you have a family member with DVT, your own risk can be doubled.

Personal history

If you’ve already had one thrombus, you’re more likely to have another. You should undergo regular screening to look for compromised leg veins.

Lifestyle behaviors

If you smoke or use other tobacco products, you’ll be at higher risk of DVT at a younger age than non-tobacco users.

Recent surgery

If you’re a recent surgical patient who can’t yet walk, you’re at increased risk for DVT. This is why doctors try to get you up and walking as soon as possible after surgery.

Weight gain

If you’re overweight or obese, your risk for DVT goes up. Losing even a little weight can help reduce your risk.

Even if you manage to head off a pulmonary embolism, DVT can leave you with post-thrombotic syndrome. This condition can include chronic, lifelong symptoms like swelling and cramps in the affected leg.

If you’re at risk for DVT and notice any signs, act fast. Dr. Ahmed removes deep vein blood clots with minimally invasive outpatient surgery, and can significantly reduce your chances of a PE. Want to learn more? Give us a call at 970-508-8439, or book a consultation online today.