Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Need to know

• What are the symptoms of DVT? icon plus

  Each year DVT occurs in about 1 in every 1000 people and it is more common in those over the age of 40.
  
  The most common symptoms of DVT are:

  • pain and swelling in your leg (most commonly experienced in the calf)
  • skin that is hot to the touch
  • skin redness

  
  If left untreated, DVT can lead to a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition where a piece of the blood clot breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a blockage and leading to breathlessness, chest pain and sudden collapse.
  
  Both conditions require urgent attention and can be life-threatening.

• How is DVT diagnosed? icon plus

  DVT is most common in people who have a family history of blood clots, have certain existing conditions such as cancer or have a weight issue.  Your GP or consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and may recommend the following tests:

  • D-dimer test. This is a special blood test to detect loose pieces of blood clot in your blood stream.
  • Ultrasound. This is a scan to detect blood clots in your veins and how fast blood is flowing through a blood vessel.
  • Venogram. This involves injecting a liquid called contrast dye into your foot. The dye will then travel up your leg and an x-ray will show the location of any blood clots.

• Treatment options for DVT icon plus

  The options for DVT depend on the extent of your condition, whether any blood clots have entered your bloodstream and your general overall health. These may include anticoagulant medicines, which will thin your blood and make it less likely to develop clots. They are either taken as tablets or delivered via injections. If you have a pulmonary embolism, you will be given anticoagulant medicine injections for up to five days. Anticoagulant tablets will then need to be taken for at least three months afterwards.