Deep vein thrombosis, also called DVT, affects not only your circulatory system but your whole body. In some cases, this condition can be life-threatening without vein treatment.
What is deep vein thrombosis?
Your body pumps blood to your legs and feet, and then your legs and feet pump blood back to your heart and the process repeats itself. If your legs fail to pump blood back to the heart efficiently, blood can pool in the veins and eventually form clots. Clots found in the deep veins of your lower extremities are referred to as deep vein thrombosis or DVT.
The impact of deep vein thrombosis
There are several potential impacts that vein problems like this can have on your body:
- a blood clot that has formed in your lower extremities can break off and travel through the circulatory system to your lungs, causing a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism, which requires emergency treatment and can be fatal
- blood seeps out of the veins that are blocked by the deep vein thrombosis, causing changes to the skin including open sores and discoloration
- in many patients, post-phlebitic syndrome results due to scar tissue that developed around the clot, causing pain, fatigue, and swelling in the lower extremities and making it hard to stay physically active
Because the lasting effects of DVT can be widespread and cause future complications, it’s important to seek vein treatment from a qualified specialist if you’re experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, spider veins, or other vein problems. Signs that you might need treatment include bulging, disfigured veins, discolored skin, heaviness in the lower legs, lower extremity pain, or warmth and redness to the touch.
For diagnosis and treatment using cutting edge technology and equipment and the most current scientific research, contact Vein & Vascular Institute at one of their four New Jersey locations today. You can request an appointment online or call their friendly team at 856-309-8346.