which is a blood clot in a vein. The most common site for the thrombus is a vein in the calf (sural) region; the femoral region is another common site. The blood clot partially or completely blocks the flow of blood in the vein. DVT typically occurs in individuals with heart disease or those who are inactive or immobile for a long period of time, such as bedridden patients or those who have been immobilized in a cast. Even healthy individuals who have been on a long airline trip may develop DVT. In fact, DVT is sometimes called “economy class syndrome” in reference to the reduced amount of leg room in economy class seating on airlines.
DVT may also be a complication in pregnancy, where fluid accumulation in the legs and impingement of the fetus on the inferior vena cava may prevent efficient blood flow back to the heart. For inactive individuals, the leg muscles (e.g., gastrocnemius and soleus) do not contract as often and can’t help propel blood through the deep veins, thus allowing the blood to pool and potentially to clot. Initial signs of DVT include fever, tenderness and redness in the affected area, severe pain and swelling in the areas drained by the affected vein, and rapid heartbeat. A person experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. The most serious complication of DVT is a pulmonary embolus (em′bō -lū s; a plug), in which a blood clot breaks free within the vein and travels through vessels to the lung, eventually blocking a branch of the pulmonary artery and potentially causing respiratory failure and death. If a DVT is diagnosed, the patient is given anticoagulation medication (such as low-molecular-weight heparin) to help prevent further clotting and break up the existing clot.
To reduce the risk for DVT, a person should maintain a healthy weight, stay active, and treat medical conditions that may increase the risk for DVT. On a long airline flight or car trip, stretching the legs and moving the feet frequently assist venous circulation in the legs.
Bedridden individuals may wear full-length compression stockings to assist circulation in the lower limbs.
Source : human anatomy
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