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Deep vein thrombosis: Symptoms, causes and treatments

Mar 29, 2022 - McMaster University - 30 minutes

Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, typically in one of your legs. In this video, Dr. Rick Ikesaka talks about the signs and symptoms of DVT, how to reduce your risk, the role that compression stockings can play and treatment options, such as the use of blood thinners.

Learn the answers to the following questions:

1:40 - What are the signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis?
3:50 - What are some of the causes or risk factors for developing DVT?
8:00 - How is DVT diagnosed?
12:18 - How can you prevent or reduce your risk of developing DVT?
16:40 - What are preventative strategies for long trips by car or plane?
18:49 - How is DVT treated?

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Featured Resources

Evidence Summary: After a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis), compression stockings do not reduce complications

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Long plane flight? Try compression socks to relieve circulation problems

New blood thinners prove to be safe and effective option for most

Author Details

Anthony Levinson

Dr. Anthony J. Levinson is a Professor at McMaster University and holds the John R. Evans Chair in Health Sciences Educational Research and Instructional Development. One of the co-leaders of the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal, Dr. Levinson is also a psychiatrist with a special interest in medical psychiatry and neuropsychiatry. His area of research interest includes online learning to improve healthcare provider and patient education.

Author Details

Rick Ikesaka

Dr. Rick Ikesaka is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University. He completed his medical training at the University of Manitoba and completed his residency and FRCPC certification for Internal Medicine and Hematology at the University of Ottawa. He also has completed a subspecialty fellowship in Adult Thrombosis Medicine and holds a M.Sc degree in Epidemiology from the University of Ottawa. His research interests involve upper extremity venous thromboembolism and thrombosis risk of bariatric surgery patients.

References

McMaster Optimal Aging Portal. After a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis), compression stockings do not reduce complications. (2016). Accessed February 24, 2022. Available from: https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/full-article/es/people-frozen-shoulder-steroid-injections-reduce-pain-improve-shoulder-mobility-1686
Berntsen CF, Kristiansen A, Akl EA, et al. Compression Stockings for Preventing the Postthrombotic Syndrome in Patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis. Am J Med. 2016 Apr;129(4):447.
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. What is Venous Thromboembolism? (2020 Feb). Accessed February 24, 2022. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/facts.html
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Diagnosis and Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism? (2020 Feb). Accessed February 24, 2022. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/diagnosis-treatment.html
UpToDate. Patient Education: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) (Beyond the Basics). (2022 Feb). Accessed February 24, 2022. Available from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt-beyond-the-basics

Acknowledgements

This work is supported through the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging and funds provided by the Dean and Vice-President, Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University.

DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).

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