Venous Blood Clots
The occurrence of blood clots within the peripheral veins is very
common. A venous blood clot is also referred to as a venous thrombus
or venous thrombosis. Those who demonstrate a reduced blood flow
from the legs and feet are prone to clot formation.
This can be the result of inactivity due to illness or a sedentary
lifestyle as well as in the presence of other health conditions
such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or from the effects of smoking.
The use of estrogen in hormone replacement therapy and contraceptives
as well as pregnancy can predispose to clot formation.
Trauma or injury in the area can also predispose patients to venous
thrombosis. Congenital heart defects and congestive heart failure
can increase the risk for clot formation as well as some cancers.
Inherited clotting disorders may promote the incidence of thrombus
formation. Surgical procedures can affect the normal physiological
response of the body’s clotting mechanism and increase the
clotting factors circulating in the bloodstream.
A venous blood clot that forms in the deep veins is called a deep
vein thrombosis (DVT). It most commonly occurs in the veins of
the pelvis, thighs, and legs. DVT can pose a significant risk if
such a clot breaks off and travels to the lungs. Obstruction of
a pulmonary artery by a thrombus is a life-threatening emergency.
When a clot travels to the lungs, this is known as pulmonary embolism.
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include acute shortness of breath,
blood-tinged sputum, anxiety, a fast pulse rate, and sometimes
sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens with deep breathing. Pulmonary
embolism can also occur without symptoms and cause sudden death.
Symptoms of clots that form in surface area veins are swelling,
redness, and discomfort. Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis may include
calf or ankle pain and tenderness, swelling and warmth in the affected
area, and redness. Pain is typically experienced when flexing the
foot upward.
Diagnosis is made through physical examination and the use of
ultrasound imaging. The sound waves will reproduce images of the
blood flow and allow identification of existing obstruction.
The cause of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) will help determine
its treatment. Most often, blood-thinning or anticoagulation medicines
will be given. The length of time that a patient is administered
such medical therapy will be based on the probable cause of the
thrombus formation, risk for recurrent clot development, and the
existence of other predisposing health conditions. The immediate
treatment period will generally include several days of bedrest
with the legs elevated and moist heat application. Analgesics may
be given for the discomfort.
