(DVT) is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the body, usually in the legs. A potentially serious medical problem, DVTs can break off and travel to the lungs, causing life-threatening pulmonary embolisms (PE). Both conditions require immediate medical attention.
An estimated 900,000 (1 to 2 per 1,000) Americans experience DVT/PE per year. Ten to 30 percent will die within one month of diagnosis and sudden death as the first symptom of PE occurs in 25 percent of people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A variety of factors can put you at risk for DVT such as a family history of blood clots, age over 60, prolonged immobility, major surgery, obesity, cancer, trauma and pregnancy. We may refer patients with these conditions to specialists with specific expertise in the treatment of blood clotting disorders.
Signs & Symptoms | Evaluation & Diagnosis | Treatment Options
Signs and Symptoms
While half of people with a DVT exhibit no symptoms, some of the most common signs of a blood clot include:
- Swelling of the leg or along a vein in the leg
- Pain, tenderness or cramping in the leg that worsens when standing or walking
- Excessive warmth in the affected area
- Skin that has turned red or blue
Evaluation and Diagnosis
At NorthShore, our vascular specialists rely on their clinical knowledge to accurately evaluate and diagnose patients with DVTs and employ the latest imaging tools when necessary. During your comprehensive evaluation, one of our experienced vascular physicians will ask you about your medical history and conduct a physical exam. A painless, noninvasive diagnostic procedure called a duplex ultrasound test may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Genetic testing may also be recommended to determine if you have an inherited predisposition that puts you at higher risk for developing blood clots.
Treatment Options
Most DVTs can be effectively treated with medications or minimally invasive techniques to either prevent the clot from becoming larger or to break up the clot. We offer a number of treatment options, including:
- Anticoagulants—Blood-thinners such as heparin and warfarin (Coumadin) are usually the first-line treatment for preventing further clot formation or enlargement of a current clot.
- Thrombolysis—A catheter-based procedure, thrombolysis involves the injection of clot-busting drugs directly into the vein. This technique is sometimes recommended for patients with larger, severely symptomatic thrombus.
Due to the potentially life-threatening nature of DVTs, we recommend you seek timely medical care. Our knowledgeable vascular specialists work closely with primary care physicians and are available at all four NorthShore hospitals for emergency consultations.
For More Information
Please call 847.663.8050 for more information on deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or to schedule an appointment with one of our vascular specialists.