Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

As the name suggests a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg. Occasionally a DVT can form in the arm or deep veins of the pelvis. One of the main predisposing factors for deep vein thrombosis is immobility (hence the association with long haul flights) but trauma to the leg veins following a fracture or surgery and clotting abnormalities of the blood can also lead to the development of clots (thrombi) The clot in the vein is not a danger in itself, although it will cause localised pain, swelling and inflammation, but it can break away from its original position and travel through the heart to become lodged in one of the blood vessels supplying the lungs or the brain, where it can have catastrophic consequences. A clot blocking a blood vessel to the brain is known as a cerebral embolism and results in a stroke, which is always serious and may also be fatal. A clot blocking a vessel to the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism (or embolus) and this can also be fatal. However, it should be remembered that most DVT's dissolve without further complications (standard treatment is with anticoagulants such as Heparin and Warfarin) and it is only a minority that go on to cause further problems. There are many risk factors for deep vein thrombosis, here divided into strong, moderate and weak.

Strong risk factors

• Fracture of hip or leg
• Hip or knee replacement
• Major general surgery
• Major trauma
• Spinal cord injury

Moderate risk factors

• Previous DVT
• Clotting disorders of the blood
• Malignancy
• Pregnancy
• Oral contraceptives and HRT
• Heart or respiratory failure
• Intravenous drug abuse

Weak risk factors

• Increasing age
• Staying in bed for longer than 3 days
• Obesity
• Prolonged car or plane travel
• Varicose veins
• Laparoscopic surgery

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