• Age. DVT can happen at any age, but your risk is greater after age 40.
• Sitting for long periods. When you sit for long stretches of time, the muscles in your lower legs stay lax. This makes it hard for blood to circulate, or move around, the way it should. Long flights or car rides can put you at risk.
• Bed rest, like when you’re in the hospital for a long time, can also keep your muscles still and raise your odds of DVT.
• Pregnancy . Carrying a baby puts more pressure on the veins in your legs and pelvis. What’s more, a clot can happen up to 6 weeks after you give birth.
• Obesity . People with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 have a higher chance of DVT. This measures how much body fat you have, compared with your height and weight.
• Serious health issues. Conditions like Irritable bowel disease, cancer, and heart disease can all raise your risk.
• Certain inherited blood disorders. Some diseases that run in families can make your blood thicker than normal or cause it to clot more than it should.
• Injury to a vein. This could result from a broken bone, surgery, or other trauma.
• Smoking makes blood cells stickier than they should be. It also harms the lining of your blood vessels. This makes it easier for clots to form.
• Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. The estrogen in these raises your blood’s ability to clot. (Progesterone-only pills don’t have the same risk.)

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of superficial thrombophlebitis usually is made by the doctor based upon history, potential risk factors present, and findings from the physical examination.

If the probability of a leg thrombosis is low, a D-Dimer blood test may be ordered.

• If the D-Dimer is negative, then it is unlikely that a DVT is the diagnosis.
• If the D-dimer is elevated, then the possibility of a DVT exists and an imaging study, usually ultrasound, is required to look for the DVT

Ultrasound

• Ultrasound is the standard method of diagnosing the presence of a deep vein thrombosis.

• Other tests

  • Venography, injecting dye into the veins to look for a thrombus, is not usually performed anymore and has become more of a historical footnote.
  • Other blood testing may be considered based on the potential cause for the deep vein thrombosis.

Treatments for DVT and PE

DVT

Medication is used to prevent and treat DVT. Compression stockings (also called graduated compression stockings) are sometimes recommended to prevent DVT and relieve pain and swelling. These might need to be worn for 2 years or more after having DVT. In severe cases, the clot might need to be removed surgically.

PE

Immediate medical attention is necessary to treat PE. In cases of severe, life-threatening PE, there are medicines called thrombolytics that can dissolve the clot.  Other medicines, called anticoagulants, may be prescribed to prevent more clots from forming. Some people may need to be on medication long-term to prevent future blood clots.

Treating DVT at Home

When you return home after DVT treatment, your goals are to get better and prevent another blood clot. You’ll need to:

• Take medications as directed. After a DVT, you’ll take blood thinners for at least 3 to 6 months.
• See your doctor often. They’ll let you know if your medications are helping and make adjustments if you need them. If you’re taking warfarin, you’ll get a blood test to see how well your blood is clotting.
• Make sure you aren’t bleeding too much. This is a side effect of blood thinner medications. Even a small cut can get serious when you’re taking blood thinners.
• Be safe. Talk to your doctor about things that can lead to bruises or cuts. Try not to bump or injure your legs. Don’t cross your legs.
• Stay active. Even if you’ve been on bed rest after surgery or for other reasons, get moving. That’s a sure way to prevent more blood clots. Don’t sit or stand still for more than an hour at a time. Change positions often, especially if you’re on a long trip.
• Wear compression stockings. The most common kinds of these special socks go from the arch of your foot to just below or above your knee. They can relieve the pain and swelling in your legs, and they help prevent more clots. Compression stockings come in different levels of pressure. You can get mild ones over the co
  

   Preventing DVT.

• Some simple actions include:
  • Lose weight.
  • Exercise.
  • Don’t stay still for long periods — move every 2 hours or so when you’re on a plane or long car trip.
  • Wear loose clothes and drink lots of water when you travel.

  unter, but you’ll need to get fitted and a prescription for stronger ones. Your doctor will help you figure out what kind you need.

• You may have to wear them for 2 years or longer after you have DVT.
• Eat a healthy, low-salt diet. Extra pounds put more pressure on the veins in your pelvis and legs. Salt boosts your blood pressure. Keeping your sodium and cholesterol levels low can help you avoid another blood clot.
• Work on losing weight if you’re carrying extra pounds.
• Quit smoking. It affects blood flow and circulation, which can raise your odds of getting another clot.
• Lift up. Raise the bottom of your bed 6 inches off the ground. You can use blocks, books, or special risers you can find online or at home stores

When Traveling

On flights longer than 4 hours, get up and move around. Take the opportunity to walk and stretch between connecting flights, too.

When you’re traveling by car, stop when you can to walk around.

If you’re stuck in your seat, work the muscles in your legs often throughout your trip:

• Stretch your legs.
• Flex your feet.
• Curl or press your toes down.

Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid coffee and alcohol. They’ll dehydrate you, which makes your veins narrower and blood thicker, so you’re more likely to get a clot.

Don’t wear short, tight socks, and try not to cross your legs a lot. You might want to wear compression stockings. They’ll help your blood flow and keep swelling down.

Take Away

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)  can happen to anybody and can cause serious illness, disability, and in some cases, death. The good news is that DVT is preventable and treatable if discovered early.

A healthylifestyle is important for preventing DVT and helping to avoid life-threatening complications. Plus, a healthy lifestyle incorporates many of the changes that are necessary to prevent blood clots. This includes moving more, quitting smoking, and losing weight.

You can lower your risk for DVT and blood clots with a healthy diet. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains deliver essential vitamins and minerals.

Review any vitamins or supplements you take with your doctor and ask about possible interactions with medications. It’s also important you talk with your doctor about any foods or nutrients you should avoid.