Enlighten us on Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

It is a period of COVID-19 and self-isolation, quarantine and lockdown. I read somewhere that in this period some people are presenting to hospital with Deep vein thrombosis. Kindly use your influential weekly health column to enlighten us about this problem. Cathur V. Thanks, Cathur for your question. Deep Vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a […]

It is a period of COVID-19 and self-isolation, quarantine and lockdown. I read somewhere that in this period some people are presenting to hospital with Deep vein thrombosis. Kindly use your influential weekly health column to enlighten us about this problem.

Cathur V.

Thanks, Cathur for your question. Deep Vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in our body, usually in our legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling, but also can occur with no symptoms.

• Deep vein thrombosis can develop if one has certain medical conditions that affect how our blood clots.
• It can also happen if one does not move for a long time, such as after surgery or an accident, or when confined to bed. In this period of COVID 19 as you mentioned, some people in a lockdown or isolation have the tendency to stay on bed or sitting in a chair for many hours which could also lead to Deep vein thrombosis.

What are the symptoms of DVT?

• Swelling in the affected leg. Rarely, there’s swelling in both legs.
• Pain in the leg. The pain often starts in the calf and can feel like cramping or soreness.
• Red or discolored skin on the leg.
• A feeling of warmth in the affected leg.

What are the risk factors?

• Inheriting a blood-clotting disorder. Some people inherit a disorder that makes their blood clot more easily.
• Prolonged bed rest, such as during a long hospital stay, or paralysis. When legs remain still for long periods, calf muscles don’t contract to help blood circulate, which can increase the risk of blood clots. That could happen during long isolation period.
• Injury or surgery. Injury to veins or surgery can increase the risk of blood clots.
• Pregnancy increases the pressure in the veins in pelvis and legs. Women with an inherited clotting disorder are especially at risk. The risk of blood clots from pregnancy can continue for up to six weeks after delivery.
• Being overweight or obese increases the pressure in the veins in pelvis and legs.
• Smoking affects blood clotting and circulation, which can increase risk of DVT.
• Heart failure. This increases risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism.
• A personal or family history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. If you or someone in your family has had one or both of these, you might be at greater risk of developing a DVT.
• Being older than 60 increases risk of DVT, though it can occur at any age.
• Sitting for long periods of time, such as when driving or flying. When your legs remain still for hours, your calf muscles don’t contract, which normally helps blood circulate. Blood clots can form in the calves of your legs if your calf muscles don’t move for long periods as during long isolation.

What are the complications?

Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood vessel in our lung becomes blocked by a blood clot (thrombus) that travels to our lung from another part of our body, usually our leg. Watch out for signs and symptoms such as;

1. Sudden shortness of breath
2. Chest pain or discomfort that worsens when one takes a deep breath or when coughs,
3. Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or fainting and rapid pulse and coughing up blood

Postphlebitic syndrome

Also called postthrombotic syndrome. Damage to the veins from the blood clot reduces blood flow in the affected areas, which can cause:

1. Persistent swelling of legs (edema)
2. Leg pain and Skin discoloration and Skin sores

Prevention of DVT;

1. Avoid sitting still. If you have had surgery or have been on bed rest or sitting on chairs for long hours such as during lockdown and isolation, try to move your legs.
2. If you’re sitting for a while, don’t cross your legs, which can hamper blood flow. If you’re traveling a long distance by a vehicle, stop at some time and walk around.
3. If you’re on a plane, stand or walk occasionally and exercise your lower legs. 4. Make lifestyle changes. Lose weight and exercise regularly.