Blood Clots
Blood clots in the legs are a very serious medical condition and must be treated promptly. The most dangerous type of blood clot is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is a clot in one of the deep veins of the leg. If a piece of the clot breaks off, it can travel to the lungs causing a pulmonary embolism (PE) that is a life-threatening event. DVT can be detected by an ultrasound study of the venous systems of the leg.
A less dangerous type of blood clot in the leg is called a superficial vein thrombophlebitis (SVT). This is a clot in a superficial vein and generally is not dangerous. However, since the superficial and deep venous systems are very much interconnected, an ultrasound examination of the legs veins should be performed to ensure that the clot does not extend into the deep system or fill a significant portion of a saphenous vein. Sometimes, SVT requires the use of blood thinning medication, but usually compression hose and anti-inflammatory medication is all that is needed for successful treatment.
Risk factors for DVT and SVT include:
Cancer
Complication from a medical procedure
Varicose veins
Venous reflux (valve failure) in the saphenous or deep veins
Pregnancy
Immobilization
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Long airplane flight
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Long car ride
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Wearing a cast on the leg
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Inactivity due to illness
Injury to a vein
Sedentary lifestyle
Obesity
Cigarette smoking
Hormone use
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Hormone replacement after menopause
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Birth control pills
Family history of DVT or SVT
Gene mutations that enhance blood clotting (partial list)
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Factor V
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Leiden Prothrombin gene mutation
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Deficiency of protein S or protein C
Clovis E. Manley, MD
Evansville Regional Vein Center