Blood vessel with red blood cells coagulating to form a blood clot as in deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis: Symptoms, causes and treatments

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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References

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. About Venous Thromboembolism (Blood Clots) (2024 May). Accessed August 6, 2024. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/blood-clots/index.html
  4. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Testing and Diagnosis for Venous Thromboembolism (2024 May). Accessed August 6, 2024. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/blood-clots/testing-diagnosis/index.html
  5. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment (2024 May). Accessed August 6, 2024. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/blood-clots/testing-diagnosis/index.html#cdc_testing_what_next-treatment
  6. 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).