DEFINITION
It is a blood clot that from within a normally functioning vein. (Eg) leg and mostly occur in leg and also occur in other part of body such as arm.
DVT become classified as embolism. When it clot; DVT and PULMONARY EMBOLISM are dangerous because of their potential to become wedged. When the blood reaches the lungs and can cause an vary problems. Potentially cause death.
CAUSES
1. IN TRAUMA
- the veins inner lining becomes damaged due to an injuries caused by a variety of factor including surgery.
- surgery injuries.
- Inflammation.
- Immune response.
2. LACK OF BLOOD MOVEMENT :
- Slow blood flow due to lack of motion can occur an after surgery.
- If you are in ill and in bed for long period of time .
- While long standing (eg) Road traffic police.
3. GENETICS (or ) HYPERCOAGULABLE STATE :
- Your blood is thicker (or) more likely to clot than normal.
- Inherited condition. Hormone theraphy, certain cancer drug and birth control pills, increased clotting risk.
RISK FACTOR OF DVT:
- Elderly people
- Over weight and obesity.
- Smoking.
- Damaged to vein resulting from recent trauma (or) surgery.
- History of previous injury (or) immobilization.
- Being in Hyper coagulable state (increased clotting ).
- Recent history of surgical procedure.
- Pregnancy and first 6 weeks after giving birth.
SYMPTOMS:
- Fever
- Edema / swelling of the leg or along a vein in the leg.
- Pain and tenderness in the leg. Which may you feel while walking or standing position.
- Warmth is swollen area of the leg.
- Erythema (redness of the skin) or cyanosis (blue skin).
- Rapid breathing.
- Fast heart rate (tachycardia).
- History of previous or immobilization.
- Recent history of surgical procedure.
TREATMENT:
- Drugs like (warfarin, heparin and Coumadin.)
- Thrombin inhibitors. (patents who are not able to take heparin )
- Thrombolytic (only in life threatening situations)
- Vena cava filter
- compression stockings.