Blood clots, like those in patients diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis, can pose a serious health risk. Though clots naturally form due to injury, surgery, or even inactivity, clots in deep veins such as the calf and thigh can result in a pulmonary embolism if released into the blood stream and block flow to the lungs. There are a variety of medicines, therapies, and procedures to address clotting to lessen this risk.
Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Aching or tender calf or thigh
- Swollen, warm, or red affected leg
- Worsening pain when standing or walking
- Pulmonary embolism
Diagnosing Deep Vein Thrombosis
- In response to pulmonary embolism
- Ultrasounds to monitor blood flow
- Venogram - x-ray of the veins
Treating Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Anticoagulants - blood thinners like heparin or warfarin
- Elevating the legs - positioning
- Compression stockings - walks, long trips
- Vena Cava Filter - filters out clots before blood returns to the heart
Clots can form in any vein, and often are visible in surface veins, however, there is significant risk in Deep Vein Thrombosis. There are hundreds of thousands diagnosed each year with at-risk blood clotting or pulmonary embolism in the US alone.
Buy positioning equipment and/or compression stockings online today or call to speak with a friendly customer service team member at 1-888-687-4334.