March is DVT Awareness Month

Posted on March 30, 2023

Each year, March brings a reminder of the dangers surrounding deep vein thrombosis and its direct connection to the often-fatal pulmonary embolism. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness Month brings attention to this issue, raising public awareness so that DVT is more easily recognized and treated. Although millions of Americans struggle each year with DVT, few in the general public are aware of its existence. Therefore, Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month aims to educate society on this matter while saving lives in the process.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

In order to recognize DVT, it’s important to have a general understanding of blood clots. First, blood clots are created when cells, platelets, and proteins combine to form a mass. A blood clot is also known as a thrombus. If the clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg, it is known as deep vein thrombosis. These clots restrict blood flow through the circulatory system when they fail to dissolve or when they appear inappropriately within the body. 

There are two kinds of thrombosis, arterial and venous. Arterial thrombosis refers to blood clot formations within an artery. Because arteries work to transport blood away from the heart, blood clots located here can actually block blood flow to the heart and brain. In turn, this blockage causes serious problems within the body, such as—in the most extreme cases—a heart attack or stroke. On the other hand, venous thrombosis means the clot has formed in a vein. Because veins move to the heart from other parts of the body, vein clotting leads to DVT and pulmonary embolism.

Signs and Symptoms of DVT

It is important to note that blood clots can happen to anyone—from a young star athlete to a weekend warrior, a marathon runner to an inactive 80-something. This is one of the main reasons it is paramount to be able to recognize DVT. There isn’t just one segment of the population at risk. DVT can present as a more minor issue for active people because the main symptoms are soreness, discomfort, and tenderness in the impacted area. These types of body issues are so common that people write them off as everyday aches and pains. Deep Vein Thrombosis pain feels like a typical muscle ache or throb, so it often gets dismissed by sufferers until it is too late. At times, the area near the clot can feel warm, itchy, or seem to be swelling, and skin can also be impacted by discoloration or thickening. 

There is a wide range of risk factors for developing DVT, including major trauma, a hospital stay, surgery, an autoimmune disorder or inflammatory disease, an infection, pregnancy, birth control, and obesity. Because of this widespread spectrum of occurrences, it is important to pay attention to symptoms and seek treatment as soon as possible.

Treatment

Varicosity Vein Center offers advanced treatment for those suffering from DVT, including therapy and in-office procedures. There is no better time than March, Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month, to reach out to our diligent and compassionate experts. 

If you’re at risk for DVT, don’t postpone this essential consultation until it’s too late. Schedule your Varicosity appointment today.