Deep Venous Thrombosis Deep venous thrombosis often shortened DVT occurs when blood clots in a deep vein of the leg. It affects nearly 2 million people in USA every year and many die from resulting pulmonary embolism when the clot breaks off from the leg and moves to the lung. Normally blood flows freely through veins. When the flow is interrupted either by injury or by compression of the vein, the blood beyond the point of compression can clot. People at Risk of DVT: • Soon after major surgery involving the hip, knee or leg • After fractures of large bones in the leg • Patients confined to bed after any major surgery • Anyone who is bedridden for prolonged periods • Women on contraceptive Pills • Pregnancy and childbirth • Varicose veins • Airline passengers confined to their seats on long haul flights Generally the older you are the greater the chances of developing DVT. It is said that the chances double with each decade of life after 40. Symptoms: • Swollen leg compared to opposite leg • Leg may be warm and red • Pain in the calf muscle particularly when pressure is applied • Chest pain or difficulty to breathe if the clot moves to the lung Tests for DVT: Clinical examination may suggest a possible DVT. This should be confirmed by one or two tests. • Ultrasound: US will usually confirm a blocked vein from a clot. • D-dimer blood test: If the level of D-Dimer is raised, it is probable that you have DVT. • Venography is sometimes done if the ultra sound is not very clear. • Sometimes MRI or CT scan may be requested. • If pulmonary embolism is suspected a Ventilation/Perfusion scan is done. Preventing DVT: Steps should always be taken to prevent a DVT rather than worry about it when it happens. In a hospital setting most of the patients who are subjected to major lower limb surgery will be prescribed blood thinning medication and maintained on it until they start walking normally. In many countries all patients admitted to hospital are also given anti embolism stockings to wear. These are elastic stockings that provide uniform compression for the leg preventing pooling of blood in the veins when they are in bed.