Deep Vein Thrombosis Symptoms
Whether or not you’ve ever heard of DVT, the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis can be extremely painful and easy to see. When deep vein thrombosis symptoms present themselves, it’s clear that you have a problem requiring medical care.
Leading DVT symptoms are almost always concentrated in one leg — the site of a deep-vein blood clot.
Classic symptoms of DVT include:
- Leg pain, including tenderness to the touch, that may worsen when standing or walking
- Swelling of the affected leg
- Skin discoloration and
- Warmth and redness of the skin
These symptoms of DVT can be progressive. Typically, a DVT patient will begin to experience pain in one leg. Over the course of a few days, that leg may begin to swell or appear discolored. In time, the swelling and pain become so significant that the patient will seek treatment for DVT in a hospital emergency department or at a physician’s office.
While symptoms of DVT can be quite painful, it’s important to remember that classic deep vein thrombosis symptoms are not apparent in nearly half of all DVT cases. In fact, the condition can go undetected for some time because deep-vein blood clots can be too small to trigger obvious deep vein thrombosis symptoms.
DVT Symptoms and "Economy Class Syndrome"
A long period of immobility — brought on by a long-haul airplane flight, extended road trip or a prolonged hospital stay — has been linked with DVT symptoms outlined above. Sitting uncomfortably on an airplane or in a cramped car for several hours can lead to slowed blood flow and pooling of blood in the lower leg.
The limited legroom common to "economy" rows of planes has given DVT the nickname "economy class syndrome." Yet, it is yet to be proven whether travel-related symptoms of deep vein thrombosis are brought on by immobility or common risk factors of DVT.
DVT Risk Factors
You should see your physician if you experience symptoms of DVT, and you are linked to the following risk factors of DVT:
- A personal history or family history of having a blood clot
- Thrombophilia: An inherited condition that makes your blood clot too easily
- Medical conditions including heart disease, lung disease, cancer and inflammatory bowel disease
- Circulation problems or heart failure
- Recent surgery or an injury, especially to your hips or knees
Women with increased estrogen can be at risks of DVT. Estrogen produces chemicals that increase blood’s ability to clot. Therefore, women can be at a higher risk of DVT when:
- Taking a contraceptive pill that contains estrogen;
- Undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involving estrogen; or
- Pregnant (and after six weeks of giving birth).
Other DVT risk factors include age (age increases risk of DVT), obesity, smoking and high blood pressure.