The Dangers of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Understanding the risks to your life from deep vein thrombosis and how to reduce your chances of a potentially fatal event should be near the top of your health checklist as you age. DVT is most likely to affect people over 60, but events can occur at any age, depending on your family history and other risk factors. 

At Apex Endovascular, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Dr. Shawn Ahmed provides vascular health support and interventional vascular care to help protect you against potential deep vein thrombosis.

The dangers of DVT

When a blood clot (thrombus) develops in a vein deep inside of your leg, the condition is called deep vein thrombosis.  If the clot breaks free, travels through your bloodstream to the lungs and gets stuck, the obstruction of blood flow is called a pulmonary embolism. 

Pulmonary embolisms can be fatal, which is why it’s critical for you to be aware of early warning signs that you could be developing DVT. Even if you successfully avert an embolism, DVT can leave you with post-thrombotic syndrome, including chronic, lifelong symptoms like cramps and swelling in the affected leg.

Early warning signs of DVT

You may have deep vein thrombosis and not know it until a clot breaks free and you suffer a serious event. However, sometimes DVT has early warning signs, so if you notice any of these symptoms in your calf, you should seek medical care:  

• Painful cramps
• Heat and or swelling in one leg, especially the left leg
• Skin discoloration centered on a single point
• Swelling of the calf

If you have DVT but no symptoms, you may experience a pulmonary embolism and need to act swiftly to save your life.  If you experience uncommon dizziness, sudden-onset shortness of breath, and/or intense chest pain you should call 911 immediately to be treated for a potential embolism.

Risk factors for DVT

There are multiple risk factors for DVT: 

• If you’ve suffered from DVT in the past, you’re more likely to have another event
• If you have a family member with DVT, your own risk can be doubled
• If you’re a surgical patient who can’t walk yet, you’re at risk for DVT
• If you’re obese or you smoke, you’re at higher risk of DVT at a younger age

If you’re at risk for DVT and notice any associated symptoms, act swiftly. Dr. Ahmed removes deep vein blood clots using a fast, minimally invasive, outpatient surgery procedure, which can significantly reduce your chances of pulmonary embolism.

Want to learn more about DVT? Give us a call at 970-508-8439, or book a consultation online today.