A blood clot in the leg is medically termed deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. Blood clots form when blood thickens, clumps together, and remains stagnant, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. MedlinePlus states that DVT forms in veins deep inside the body and mainly affects the lower leg and thigh. DVT can break off and travel through the bloodstream. When the blood clot reaches the lungs, it causes a blockage of blood flow, a very serious medical condition known as pulmonary embolism.
Causes
DVT develops when damage occurs to the vein's inner lining from various injuries. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute states that these injuries tend to be physical, chemical, or biological in nature, such as from surgery, serious injury, inflammation, and an immune response. DVT can also develop if blood flow is slow, especially from a lack of motion. Ill, bedridden people, as well as frequent travelers, are more prone to DVT. Lastly, certain inherited conditions and medications, such as hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, can cause people's blood to be thicker than normal, increasing their susceptibility to clots, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
Risk Factors
Multiple factors put individuals at greater risk for developing DVT. People who have someone in their family with a history of DVT or pulmonary embolism are at greater risk for DVT, according to the MayoClinic.com. Other risk factors include being 60 years of age or older, cigarette smoking, obesity, heart failure, recent surgery, fractures in the pelvis or legs, and giving birth within the past six months. Lastly, people with cancer and hypercoagulability are also at greater risk for DVT.
Symptoms
Only about half of the people with DVT experience symptoms, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Medline Plus states that people may experience pain, tenderness, or swelling of the leg and in some instances this area may be warm when touched. The affected area of the leg may also change skin color, predominately turning red. Other symptoms include calf discomfort, distended veins and foot pain.
Complications
Two complications can arise from DVT: venous hypertension or pulmonary embolism. When a blood clot partially or completely blocks blood flow through the vein, the blood starts to pool and builds up below the site, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. The pool of blood can damage the vein's valves, which direct blood flow, leading to venous hypertension. Venous hypertension impairs individuals from living a full, active life.
The blood clot can also break free and travel through the veins, eventually reaching the lungs, a condition known as a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is a very serious, fatal condition that can kill someone within hours, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Prevention
Preventative measures can be followed to reduce peoples’ risk of developing DVT. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends people try to incorporate lower leg exercises into their daily routines, such as leg lifts or ankle rotations to increase blood flow through their legs. Individuals should also make lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, controlling blood pressure, quitting smoking, eating healthier and exercising calf muscles, according to MayoClinic.com.
