On this page, you will find everything you are looking for, concerning venous thromboembolism.

What Is Venous Thromboembolism?

Venous thromboembolism is a condition that occurs when blood clots form in a vein that carries blood from the body to the heart. It includes two types:

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This occurs when blood clots in the deep, large veins in the lower leg, pelvis, thigh, and possibly in the arms.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE): This is a complication of deep vein thrombosis that occurs when the clotted blood travels through the bloodstream to the lungs.

What Are the Symptoms of Venous Thromboembolism?

Most individuals with deep vein thrombosis do not exhibit symptoms, although some may appear in the affected areas. Symptoms vary depending on the type of thrombosis:

Deep Vein Thrombosis:

Swelling.

Pain in the affected area.

Cramps, pain, or warmth in the affected area.

Redness of the skin.

Pulmonary Embolism:

Difficulty breathing.

Irregular heartbeat.

Chest pain that worsens with coughing or deep breathing.

Blood in the cough.

Severe drop in blood pressure or dizziness.

What Are the Causes of Venous Thromboembolism?

Venous thromboembolism occurs due to:

Slowed blood flow in the body's veins, which may be due to:

Paralysis.

Bed rest for extended periods due to certain health conditions or surgery.

Prolonged sitting or immobility due to a cast.

Changes in blood composition, leading to easier blood clot formation and increased thickness.

Injury to the veins due to:

Fractures.

Severe muscle injury.

Major surgeries in the abdomen, pelvis, hips, or legs.

Increased estrogen levels, often due to:

Contraceptive medications, hormone therapy post-menopause, or postpartum for up to 3 months.

Certain diseases and health conditions:

Obesity.

Heart diseases.

Lung diseases.

Cancer.

Kidney diseases.

Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease).

Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Viral infections like coronavirus and diabetes.

Risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the condition and are compounded if a person has more than one factor simultaneously, including:

Age, with an increased risk as one ages.

Family history of venous thromboembolism.

Previous instances of venous thromboembolism.

How Is Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves medical history and clinical examination, along with specific tests as determined by the treating physician, such as:

Lung imaging, such as MRI.

Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography.

Venography.

Doppler ultrasound.

Ventilation-perfusion scan in the lung.

Laboratory blood tests.

What Are the Treatment Methods for Venous Thromboembolism?

Treatment involves various procedures depending on necessity and may include:

Compression stockings.

Certain medications like:

Blood thinners.

Anticoagulants.

Inferior vena cava filter procedure.

Surgery to remove clotted blood.

Catheterization.

How to Prevent Venous Thromboembolism?

Adopt a healthy lifestyle by regularly exercising to stimulate blood circulation, maintaining an ideal weight, and avoiding inactivity, obesity, and smoking. Here’s a guide to quitting smoking.

Focus on mental health and avoid stress and anxiety triggers.

Attempt to walk or move as much as possible after staying in bed, such as post-surgery, fatigue, or injury. Refer to this guide for more movement tips.

Discuss wearing compression stockings with your treating physician if you are at risk of deep vein thrombosis.

What Are the Complications of Venous Thromboembolism?

Pulmonary embolism.

Post-thrombotic syndrome.

Pulmonary hypertension.

Recurring venous thromboembolism.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, visit the emergency room to determine the cause and follow the appropriate treatment plan to avoid complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is venous thromboembolism considered a dangerous disease?

Yes, thus regular follow-up with a physician, adherence to medications, and following preventive guidelines are essential to avoid complications.

Is it a chronic disease that cannot be treated?

It is a treatable condition if the venous clot (thrombus) is removed.