How do you get dvt blood clots?

It might seem like there’s no way to avoid blood clots, but there are a lot of things that can increase your risk. One of the most common types is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which happens when a clot forms in one of the veins deep inside your body. In this article, we’re going to break down some of the causes and risk factors for DVT, so you’ll know what to look out for.

What is DVT?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. This type of clot can be dangerous because it can travel through your bloodstream and into other parts of your body.

Causes

There are many different potential causes or contributing factors when it comes to developing DVT:

Immobility

One big factor is immobility, which refers to situations where you spend long periods without moving around much. Whether you’re on bed rest after surgery or traveling on an airplane for hours at a time, staying stationary for too long can cause blood flow problems and increase the likelihood that a clot will form.

Injury

Another possible trigger is injury, particularly if it damages one or more veins directly. For example, if you hurt yourself while playing sports or experience trauma from an accident like a car crash, that could create new conditions that make clots more likely.

Surgery

Sometimes undergoing surgery itself puts people at risk for DVT afterward. The process increases levels of certain proteins responsible for coagulation within our blood vessels which makes us susceptible to develop clots post-surgery [1] .

Genetics

People who have family members with known coagulation disorders such as Factor V Leiden mutation may be genetically predisposed towards developing clots.

Risk factors

There are also many risk factors that can make you more likely to experience DVT, even if there’s no clear underlying cause. Here are some of the most common:

Age

Unfortunately age is one thing we cannot change and as someone ages, the chance for developing clots does tend to increase.

Gender

Women tend to have higher chances than men of developing clots.

Obesity

Bodies carrying extra weight might affect blood flow and contribute towards increased occurrences of clotting [2].

Pregnancy

Pregnant women are at an increased risk for DVT due to hormonal changes in the body which makes their blood hypercoagulable.

Symptoms and diagnosis

So what should you look out for when it comes to identifying DVT? Some people don’t experience any symptoms but typical signs they may include :

• Swelling in your leg, foot or ankle
• Cramping or pain
• Redness
• Warm skin on affected area

If these symptoms sound familiar then consult with a doctor as soon as possible so they can take a closer look by conducting diagnostic tests such as ultrasounds or X-raying area suspected of showing indications of blockages.

Treatment

Thankfully there are medical interventions available that could help resolve blood clot issues such as administering medication like thrombolytics which focus on breaking down existing clots quickly while anticoagulants help prevent new ones from forming.

Ultimately prevention is key when it comes to avoiding deep vein thrombosis! Whether you’re sitting still for long periods -especially during travel by car|bus|plane / having a sedentary lifestyle/predisposed genetically/other risks , all you need is be aware about general behavioral modifications such practicing moderate exercise regularly, stretching from time-to-time.

[1] Kruip M., Vossen C. Y., Tans G., et al. Risk factors and prevention of venous thrombosis in pregnancy
[2] Obesity, long-haul transport poses blood clot risk: WHO