Table of Contents

I. What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

II. Symptoms of DVT

III. What Causes Deep Vein Thrombosis?

IV. How Do I Know When to See a Doctor?

V. How to Prevent DVTs

VI. Medications for DVTs

VII. FAQ: How Can I Lower My Risk of DVT?

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

When many people think of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may come to mind. DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis. [1] DVT can be dangerous because the clot may grow or break loose and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism can damage the lungs and other organs and may be fatal. [2]

DVT symptoms can include pain, swelling, tenderness, warmth, or redness. Blood thinners are commonly used to treat DVT by preventing new clots from forming and keeping existing clots from getting larger. Treatment options may include warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants such as Eliquis (apixaban) and Xarelto (rivaroxaban). Read on to learn more about the symptoms and treatments for deep vein thrombosis. 

Symptoms of DVT

When DVT symptoms occur, they may develop suddenly or gradually. You may also have no symptoms at all. [2] If you do experience symptoms, they may include:

• Sudden of gradual pain [2]
• Swelling [2]
• Tenderness [2]
• Warmth or redness [2]
• Dilated veins visible near the skin’s surface [3]

DVT most commonly develops in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but it can also form in the arm. [1] [3]

What Causes Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Several factors can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis. DVT may develop when a person has an injury, reduced mobility, or a condition that makes the blood more likely to clot. A family history of DVT or an inherited clotting disorder may also raise the risk. [3]

• Injury: This damage may result from an acute injury, chronic inflammation, or a medical procedure. 

• Inactivity: Sitting or lying down for an extended period can slow blood flow and make clots more likely to form. This may happen during a long trip, an extended hospital stay, or recovery from an illness or surgery. 

• Increased clotting tendency: Some conditions can make your blood more likely to clot than usual. Certain treatments and medications, including chemotherapy and birth control pills, may also raise the risk of blood clots.

• Surgery: Staying in bed or being unable to move after surgery can further slow blood flow and increase the likelihood of clot formation. [2]

For more information, read our guide to blood clot risk factors.

How Do I Know When to See a Doctor?

Deep vein thrombosis can lead to serious complications, so contact a healthcare professional immediately if you suspect you may have one. Your doctor will review your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and ask about your medical history, overall health, and daily habits. [4]

Seek emergency medical care if you develop:

• Sudden difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• A rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness or fainting
• Coughing up blood [4]

How to Prevent DVTs

There are several steps you can take to help reduce your risk of deep vein thrombosis. Regular physical activity, staying hydrated, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight may all help lower your risk. [4]

During long trips, try to get up and walk around every one to two hours. You can also do calf stretches or heel lifts, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol or caffeine because they may contribute to dehydration. [4]

Compression stockings may be advised if you have other DVT risk factors or need support with circulation. If you cannot walk around, try moving your feet and legs regularly to help maintain blood flow. [4]

Medications for DVTs

If your doctor prescribes a blood thinner, take it exactly as directed. These medications can help prevent new clots from forming and stop existing clots from getting larger, although they do not dissolve clots that have already formed. [2] People at higher risk of DVT, including some patients who will have limited mobility after surgery or hospitalization, may be prescribed blood thinners to reduce their risk. [1]

Warfarin is an oral blood thinner that slows the liver’s use of vitamin K to produce certain clotting proteins. The dose must be adjusted for each patient, and regular blood tests are needed to make sure the medication is working safely. Bleeding is its most common side effect. [5]

Direct oral anticoagulants, or DOACs, are another treatment option for appropriately selected patients. They directly reduce the blood’s ability to form clots and usually do not require routine blood monitoring. Examples include Eliquis (apixaban), Pradaxa (dabigatran), Savaysa (edoxaban), and Xarelto (rivaroxaban). Because these medications are short acting, missing a dose can quickly reduce protection against blood clots. [6]

The right medication depends on your health, the location of the clot, and your risk of complications. Talk to your doctor about which treatment is appropriate for you.

FAQ: How Can I Lower My Risk of DVT?

To lower your risk of DVT, focus on keeping blood moving, especially during long trips, bed rest, recovery after surgery, or any situation where you are sitting or lying still for a long time. Movement, hydration, and following your doctor’s instructions matter because slow blood flow can make clots more likely to form. People with added risk factors, such as recent surgery, cancer treatment, smoking, birth control use, pregnancy, obesity, or a history of blood clots, should ask their doctor whether extra prevention steps are needed.

Some patients may be advised to use compression stockings or take a blood thinner if their risk is high enough. Blood thinners can help prevent new clots from forming and keep existing clots from getting larger, but they must be taken exactly as prescribed. Missing doses, stopping early, or using them without medical guidance can increase the risk of complications.

To help reduce your risk of DVT:

1. Get up and walk every one to two hours during long trips when possible.
2. Move your feet and legs regularly if you cannot walk around.
3. Do calf stretches or heel lifts to support circulation.
4. Drink water and avoid dehydration.
5. Avoid smoking and ask for help quitting if needed.
6. Ask your doctor whether compression stockings are appropriate for you.
7. Take any prescribed blood thinner exactly as directed.
8. Talk to your doctor before surgery, hospitalization, or long travel if you have DVT risk factors.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.