Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
It occurs when a blood clot forms within a vein, usually in the leg. A blood clot is a matter of blood which has turned into a solid state and can be extremely serious for the individual, and could potentially lead to further complications such as pulmonary embolism (when a blood clot travels to the lungs) which must be treated immediately.
Symptoms of DVT
DVT can come on very suddenly but common symptoms to watch out for include...
Throbbing or cramping pain (usually in the calf or thigh)
Swelling
Warm skin around the area of the clot
Red or darkened skin around clot
It's also worth noting that swollen veins
are hard or sore when you touch them.
Causes of DVT
Whilst DVT can be caused by a range of factors,
the most common of these include...
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A family history of DVT or pulmonary embolism
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A family history of blood clots
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Blood vessel damage
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Heart and lung disease
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Conditions such as Thrombophilia (an imbalance in naturally occurring blood-clotting proteins, or clotting factors) and Hughes syndrome (a disorder of the immune system that causes an increased risk of blood clots)
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Obesity
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Pregnancy can also cause blood to clot more easily
Screening for DVT
Screening for DVT involves using an ultrasound scan on the area to identify if DVT is present within the limb and is a painless and non-invasive procedure. This ultrasound will analyse both deep vein and superficial veins (under the skin veins) for presence of DVT.
Are there any risks associated with screening?
There are no risks to worry about with a DVT screening.
If you require any further information about screening for DVT, or to arrange a consultation, please get in touch. Our skilled and experienced team are always on hand to provide assistance.
ABOUT ALPHA SCREENING
Live Well
We offer a health screening service that aims to give our patients confidence in their results, and peace of mind that they will have the knowledge to act on the findings of their screening.
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