Deep vein thrombosis: prevention and treatment

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially dangerous blood clot that develops in the deep veins of the body. Some of these blood clots remain small and are dissolved by the body over time, whereas many of these blood clots can block veins, become dislodged, and travel towards the heart, where they block arteries and cause death.
There are many factors that contribute to the formation of these deadly clots. Inactivity, obesity, an injury or surgery, and certain medications can all increase one's risk of developing a DVT. Other risk factors may be contributed to certain health disorders, advanced age, pregnancy, and cancer. All of these things increase the blood's chance of clotting either by reducing blood circulation or by a medicine's tendency to increase blood thickness or clotting.
With a large number of risk factors and the potential of a deep vein thrombosis to become deadly, prevention and treatment are vital. Can deep vein thromboses though, be prevented and treated? The answer is yes.

Prevention:
Reducing your chances of developing a deep vein thrombosis from forming is possible through preventative means. Because the most common risk factors for developing a DVT are those a person can control, slight changes in habits or routines can help reduce one's deep vein thrombosis risk.

- Activity and Exercise: Keeping blood circulated is vital in the prevention of a deep vein thrombosis, especially since a DVT is most likely to occur in the legs. Make time for daily exercise, such as a brisk 30 minute walk to maintain healthy blood circulation. Additionally, try to break long periods of inactivity by exercising the leg muscles with simple movement or exercises, and resist the urge to cross your legs;
- Travel: The immobility often required for travel can cause poor blood circulation. Cramped seating in cars, buses, and planes do little to help the situation. When traveling by car, stop every few hours to stretch and exercise the legs. During a bus ride, move the legs to promote blood circulation, and walk up and down the aisle when possible. Special measures should be taken when traveling by plane;
- Plane Travel: Extended hours of sitting in a cramped airline seat do little to help blood circulation. At appropriate times during the flight, a walk along the aisle can help keep blood circulating. When confined to your seat, exercise the legs by circling the ankles, pointing the toes, or doing other simple exercises. Additionally, alcohol and caffeinated beverages offered on planes can cause dehydration, which thickens the blood. Avoid these beverages and drink plenty of water or fruit juice.

These are simple but important steps in deep vein thrombosis prevention. If you feel you have an increased risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis, a visit to the doctor can introduce you to these preventative measures:
- An anticoagulant drug, which thins the blood and helps prevent blood clots from forming;
- Compression stockings, also known as circulation hose, which help blood circulate;
- A calf compression device; a mechanical pump that intermittently squeezes the calf and feet and is frequently used after surgery.

These are all simple and effective ways you can reduce the chance of developing a deep vein thrombosis. If however, you have already developed a deep vein thrombosis, effective treatment can be utilized.

Treatment:
When a deep vein thrombosis is detected during a visit to your doctor, treatment for the condition can be recommended and implemented. It is important to see your doctor if you are at an increased risk for developing a deep vein thrombosis, or if you are experiencing the symptoms associated with a DVT.
Deep vein thrombosis treatments work to prevent the continual growth of a deep vein blood clot. Your doctor may prescribe either of the following methods:

- Anticoagulant drugs: Two types of anticoagulant drugs are given to the patient to take together. Also known as blood thinners, the two most common types of these drugs are heparin, an intravenous drug, and warfarin, an oral drug. After approximately 5 days, a blood test is given to confirm that the warfarin is working effectively. Once this is established, the administration of heparin to the patient stops and the warfarin works to shrink the size of existing blood clots, prevent new clots from forming, and allow the body to naturally dissolve existing DVT's. Like any medication however, anticoagulant drugs carry side effects you will want to discuss with your doctor.

- Compression Stockings: Also called circulation hose, these special devices are obtained from medical supply stores and some pharmacies with a doctor's prescription. Much like a thick pair of nylons, compression stockings fit tightly around the foot and gradually become looser as they extend up to just below or above the knee. These stockings, also available as discreet socks or nylons, help blood circulate towards to the heart, and help relieve the pain sometimes associated with deep vein thrombosis. These stockings, however, may become uncomfortable and hot if worn for long periods of time. They may also be difficult for elderly, overweight, or arthritic patients to put on.

The treatments for deep vein thrombosis and their pros and cons can be discussed with your doctor. He or she will recommend a course of action that is best for your needs.