Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a medical condition in which a blood clot forms in one or several deep veins of the body, mostly located in the legs. It happens when the vein gets damaged or the blood flow within the vein stops or slows down. There are various reasons behind it, but the most common ones are surgeries involving the hips or legs and injuries to the lower body. While some people with DVT may complain of throbbing pain in the legs, others do not have any symptoms. This is why taking a well-priced D-dimer test can help determine if you have blood clotting disorders like DVT. Mentioned are the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of DVT.
Symptoms
Many people with DVT may not experience any symptoms, but in several cases, pulmonary embolism can be the initial sign of DVT. The symptoms of a pulmonary embolism are coughing, sudden chest pain, spitting up or vomiting blood, and shortness of breath. Additionally, the blood clot in the legs can show symptoms like pain, distended veins, swelling, red or discoloured skin, and more. People who have these symptoms are generally advised to take a D-dimer test to find out if they have DVT or not.
Causes
There are several factors that affect the blood flow in the deep veins and the development of blood clots, including vein diseases like varicose veins, smoking, pregnancy, obesity, and more. Other reasons include a major surgery in the lower body, which can affect normal blood flow and lead to clotting. People who are at risk of developing this disorder include the elderly, people who do not move very often, people taking birth control pills, etc. To avoid further complications, one must take a D-dimer test in order to proceed with a suitable treatment.
Diagnosis
A D-dimer test can help detect clotting in the deep veins of a person. In this procedure, a lab technician takes a blood sample that is analyzed by experienced pathologists. A normal range of D-dimer can determine that the person does not have DVT. However, if the results are abnormal, then the healthcare provider may take more tests to make a diagnosis.
It is highly recommended to consult a reputed physician to diagnose DVT so that serious complications can be avoided.