Fortunately, DVT is preventable and treatable if detected early.
Swelling in one leg (it’s rare that swelling would occur in both legs)Pain in the affected legSkin that is red or discolored on the affected legSkin that is warm to the touch on the affected leg
If you see signs or symptoms of DVT, talk to your doctor. If you have symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
Unexplained or sudden shortness of breathChest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath or coughDizziness or faintingRapid pulseCoughing up blood
If you have heart failure, you are at an increased risk for DVT and pulmonary embolism due to limited heart and lung function. Being overweight or obese increases the pressure in the veins of your legs and pelvis, raising the risk of clots. This risk increases during pregnancy (women with an inherited clotting disorder are at higher risk) and for up to six weeks after giving birth. Using birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement therapy can also increase your blood’s clotting abilities. Smoking adversely affects blood clotting and circulation, which can increase your risk of DVT. If you or someone in your family has had DVT or a pulmonary embolism before, you are more likely to develop DVT. Being over 60 increases your risk of DVT, even though it can occur at any age. Finally, sitting for long periods of time (as in airplane travel or long car trips) can increase your risk for DVT. Blood clots may form in your calves if the muscles aren’t moved for extended periods. When you start anticoagulation therapy by injection, your doctor will often administer the first few doses, after which you may be able to administer the injections on your own. Injectable blood thinners include these examples:
Lovenox (enoxaparin)Fragmin (dalteparin)Aritxtra (fondaparinux)Heparin
If your doctor prescribes oral anticoagulation therapy — such as Coumadin (warfarin), Xarelto (rivaroxaban), Eliquis (apixaban), or Savaysa (exoxaban) — you will typically take these medications for three months or longer. Your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to check how long it takes for your blood to clot. All blood thinners must be taken as prescribed to avoid serious side effects.
Thrombolytics
Also known as tissue plasminogen activators, thrombolytics are given intravenously (by IV) or through a catheter positioned near an existing blood clot. They are designed to break up clots. Thrombolytics can cause serious bleeding. They are used only in life-threatening situations and only if you are hospitalized.
Filters
If you are unable to take blood thinners for any reason, your doctor may recommend a minor surgical procedure in which a filter is inserted into a large vein in your abdomen, known as the inferior vena cava. This filter is designed to prevent any clots that break loose from traveling to your lungs.
Surgery and Socks
In rare cases, clots may need to be removed by surgery. Finally, wearing compression stockings on your legs can help prevent swelling associated with DVT. The pressure they create lowers the risk of blood pooling and clotting. Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is another common complication associated with DVT. It’s caused by damage to your veins from a blood clot that reduces blood flow in the affected areas. According to the CDC, one-third to one-half of people with DVT will develop PTS. Signs and symptoms of PTS include:
Swelling or pain in your legsSkin discolorationSkin sores
The results showed that for every 10 million people vaccinated with the AstraZeneca shot, 66 experienced a blood clot in their veins. This is compared with 12,614 per 10 million people with COVID-19. The study also found that 143 people out of 10 million had an ischemic stroke in the 28 days after the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, compared with 1,699 with COVID-19. The research adds to the evidence that getting infected with COVID-19 is more serious than the potential side effect from the vaccine that protects against getting COVID-19.
