Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

What is DVT?

DVT stands for deep vein thrombosis. This means you have a blood clot in one of your deep veins, usually in your leg. Think of it like a plug blocking the flow of blood through a pipe.

Blood clots can be dangerous because they might travel to your lungs. This is why it's important to get help quickly if you think you might have DVT.

What are the warning signs?

Look out for these symptoms in your leg (they usually happen in just one leg):

• Throbbing pain in your calf or thigh when you walk or stand up
• Swelling in one leg
• Warm skin around the painful area
• Red or darker skin around the painful area (this might be harder to spot if you have brown or black skin)
• Swollen veins that feel hard or hurt when you touch them

These symptoms can also happen in your arm or tummy if that's where the blood clot is.

When should you get help?

Get urgent help from your GP or call NHS 111 if:

• You think you might have DVT

Call 999 or go to A&E straight away if: You have DVT symptoms AND you're also:

• Out of breath
• Having chest pain

These could be signs that a blood clot has travelled to your lungs. This is very serious and needs immediate treatment.

Don't drive yourself to A&E - ask someone else to drive you or call 999 for an ambulance.

Who is more likely to get DVT?

You have a higher chance of getting DVT if you:

• Are over 60 years old
• Are overweight
• Smoke
• Have had DVT before
• Take the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Have cancer or heart failure
• Have varicose veins

Your risk is also higher at certain times, such as when you:

• Are in hospital or have recently left hospital
• Are stuck in bed for a long time
• Go on long journeys (more than 3 hours) by plane, car or train
• Are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 6 weeks
• Are dehydrated (not drinking enough fluids)

Sometimes DVT happens for no clear reason.

How is DVT diagnosed?

If your doctor thinks you might have DVT, you should be sent to hospital within 24 hours for an ultrasound scan. This scan checks if blood is flowing normally through your vein.

You might also need a special X-ray where dye is injected to show where any blood clot is.

How can you prevent DVT?

Do:

• Keep a healthy weight
• Stay active and take regular walks
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid getting dehydrated

Don't:

• Sit still for long periods - get up and move every hour
• Cross your legs when sitting
• Smoke
• Drink lots of alcohol

On long journeys:

• Wear loose clothing
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid alcohol
• Walk around when possible

Remember, if you're worried about DVT symptoms, speak to your GP or call NHS 111 for advice. Don't wait - early treatment is important.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.