DVT (Blood Clot in the Leg, Deep Vein Thrombosis): Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg, DVT) is a blood clot imbedded in one of the major veins of the lower body, including the legs, thighs, or pelvis. Disease and conditions that put you at risk of DVT are many, and include:
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Pregnancy
- Estrogen therapy
- Prolonged periods of immobility, for example, sitting while traveling or confined to bed.
- Trauma
- Being overweight
- Cancer
- Respiratory conditions
- Advanced age
Symptoms of DVT include:
- Redness and warmth to the touch
- Leg swelling
- Pain or tenderness in the leg
- Redness or discoloration of the skin on the leg
- Leg cramps
- Edema
- Pain
Treatment for a blood clot in the leg include:
- Anticoagulants, for example, heparin, rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), and sometimes warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
- Thrombin inhibitors
- Thrombolytics
- Vena cava filter
- Graduated compression stockings
You can prevent a blood clot in the leg by moving around during prolonged
periods of immobility, taking your medicine as your doctor has prescribed,
getting up and moving as soon as possible after surgery or an illness (this
lowers your chances of getting DVT), and exercising your leg muscles during long
trips (particularly the lower leg muscles).
REFERENCE: NIH. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. "What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?" Updated: Oct 28, 2011.
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DVT (Blood Clot in the Leg, Deep Vein Thrombosis) Topic Guide - Visuals
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DVT (Blood Clot in the Leg, Deep Vein Thrombosis) Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
RivaroxabanRivaroxaban is used to treat or prevent blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). These types of blood clots can ...learn more »
DalteparinDalteparin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent the formation of blood clots...learn more »
EnoxaparinEnoxaparin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent the formation of blood clots...learn more »
HeparinHeparin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood clots...learn more »
WarfarinWarfarin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Warfarin reduces the formation of blood clots...learn more »
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