What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | MedStar Health

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Discover the symptoms of blood clots in the deep venous system and what can cause them

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that typically affects the legs and arms. These clots can travel through the bloodstream to the heart, lungs, or brain and cause a stroke or pulmonary embolism.

Our Vein Program specialists will help control your symptoms and reduce the risk of serious complications. 

Symptoms

Not everyone will experience symptoms before a clot becomes life-threatening. If you experience any of these symptoms of DVT, see your doctor right away:

  • Arm or leg swelling, pain or tenderness
  • Warmth in a swollen limb
  • Skin discoloration
  • Vein dilation

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a complication of DVT that causes chronic leg pain, swelling, and discoloration. You may be diagnosed with PTS if blood thinners do not relieve your symptoms. PTS also is called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Causes

3d illustration of deep vein thrombosis

Limited blood flow or having a history of conditions that cause abnormal clotting can increase your risk for DVT.

Some of the risk factors for blood clots include:

  • Being obese
  • Having a central venous catheter or pacemaker
  • Living an inactive lifestyle
  • Being pregnant or in the 6-week time period after childbirth
  • Being 40 or older
  • Taking certain birth control pills
  • Suffering trauma to the vein’s inner lining from surgery or injury

Tests

The most common test used to diagnose DVT is the duplex venous ultrasound, which allows your doctor to see the blood flow through your veins. Your doctor may recommend blood tests if your DVT is caused by a genetic condition.

Arterial Duplex Ultrasound for Arms and Legs

Arterial duplex ultrasound uses Doppler and traditional ultrasound to assess blood flow in the arteries of your arms and legs.

Chest X-ray

Chest X-rays use a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart, and chest wall.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Fluoroscopy

A fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses a continuous X-ray beam passed through the body to create real-time, moving images of your internal structures. 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Treatments

Your doctor likely will prescribe medications, compression stockings, walking, or lower leg exercises to decrease the risk of blood clots. In some cases, surgery such as venous stenting may be required.

Complex IVC Filter Removal

Complex IVC filter removal procedures are needed when a filter in the inferior vena cava has become embedded in the vessel wall or penetrated the vein.

Rheolytic Thrombectomy

Rheolytic thrombectomy uses a jet of saline delivered through a catheter to break up a blood clot.

Venous Blood Clots Treatments (Venous Thromboembolism)

Venous blood clot treatments may include medications or advanced catheter-based procedures to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots.

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Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.