Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, most often in the leg. At Shore Vascular & Vein Center, our vascular team helps patients understand their risk, recognize symptoms, and get the evaluation they need.
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What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of the body, most commonly in the legs. This can happen due to prolonged immobility, such as long flights or hospital stays, injury to a vein, certain medications, pregnancy, or underlying clotting disorders. DVT is a serious condition because a clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Symptoms of DVT
- Swelling in one leg, often sudden
- Pain or tenderness, often starting in the calf
- Warmth in the affected area
- Red or discolored skin
- A feeling of heaviness or cramping
If you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood, these can be signs of a pulmonary embolism and require immediate emergency care.
Diagnosis and Treatment
DVT is diagnosed with a duplex ultrasound, a painless test performed in our IAC-accredited noninvasive vascular lab that allows Dr. Gosin and our team to visualize blood flow and detect clots. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the clot and may include blood-thinning medication, compression therapy, or, in some cases, a procedure to remove or dissolve the clot. At Shore Vascular & Vein Center in Somers Point, NJ , we work closely with each patient to manage their condition and reduce the risk of future clots.
Deep Vein Thrombosis FAQs
What causes deep vein thrombosis?
DVT can be caused by prolonged immobility, vein injury, certain medications, pregnancy, or underlying clotting disorders that make blood more likely to clot.
Is DVT an emergency?
DVT itself requires prompt medical evaluation, and if a clot travels to the lungs, it can cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism, which is a medical emergency.
How is DVT diagnosed?
DVT is diagnosed with a duplex ultrasound, a painless, noninvasive test that allows your provider to visualize blood flow and detect clots in the veins.
What are the warning signs of a pulmonary embolism?
Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood can indicate a pulmonary embolism and require immediate emergency care.
How is DVT treated?
Treatment depends on the clot’s location and severity and may include blood-thinning medication, compression therapy, or a procedure to remove or dissolve the clot.
Who is at risk for DVT?
Risk factors include prolonged immobility, recent surgery, pregnancy, certain medications, smoking, and underlying clotting disorders.
Get the Evaluation You Need
Schedule your consultation with Shore Vascular & Vein Center in Somers Point, NJ today.
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