DVT is also known as Deep Vein Thrombosis, and it affects more people every year than you might have thought. According to the CDC, deep vein thrombosis might be a condition that affects as much as 900, 000 people each year – that’s one to two for every thousand people. Of those statistics, as much as 60 to 100, 000 of those cases per year have an unfortunately fatal result. That’s not a statistic anyone would want to be part of.
It can be prevented, but only if you and your loved ones know what to look for. Some of the symptoms might seem obvious, but others can easily be mistaken for others – and you should always know what to look for if you have your family’s best interests at heart. Here’s a closer look at the ten most common symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, also known as venous thromboembolism.
Defining DVT
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when blood flow through the body slows down: This could be due to multiple reasons, including a side-effect of certain medications, a sign or symptom of other health conditions, or sometimes an after-effect of long periods of inactivity such as sitting completely still on a seven-hour flight.
In short, the slowing down of blood flow causes clotting of the blood. These clots form in the veins, commonly in the legs, and once these clots are suddenly released, the real danger starts as it can find its way through to your heart, lungs or brain in an instant. This is potentially fatal, and it could lead to serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and embolisms. (Yes, that’s also why it’s never advised to massage a blood clot: Instead, seek immediate medical attention should you suspect that you or someone else has a blood clot.
1. Asymptomatic DVT: The dangers
Before talking about the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, it’s vital to note that sometimes deep vein thrombosis is completely asymptomatic. This means that at least thirty percent to half of reported deep vein thrombosis cases show no symptoms at all to warn of the impending danger.
The only way to catch asymptomatic DVT would be its prevention: Go to your doctor for regular check-ups and scans to make sure your general health is in tip-top shape; keep an eye on the contraindications and side-effects of all prescribed and over-the-counter medications you take to know if DVT can be a potential worry; exercise regularly and follow a healthy, natural diet overall – your body will thank you! It’s also vital to “stretch your legs” as the common saying goes: Every ten or fifteen minutes, remind yourself of the importance of taking a stretch and get the blood flowing in your legs by moving around.
