Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

DVT, or Deep Vein Thrombosis, is the formation of blood clots within the deep veins of the legs. Once these clots become dislodged and migrate to the lungs, they may cause a blockage in the arteries, known as a pulmonary embolism. These conditions are called venous thromboembolism and can occur due to genetic and acquired risk factors.

DVT Symptoms

Some people with DVT have no symptoms at all. Others have severe pain. Usually, the deep veins of the thighs, lower legs, or pelvis are affected, but in some cases, the arms are also affected.

Symptoms of DVT can include

1. Tender Pain in the leg
2. Skin redness or colour changes
3. Heat in the affected area
4. Swelling in the leg

Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms

The patient typically experiences shortness of breath. While it is an early warning sign of DVT, it might have other causes, such as lung diseases. The diagnosis calls for an expert. Pulmonary embolism causes chest pain.

It might be

1. Sharp or stabbing
2. More intense with deep breaths
3. Localised under the breastbone or on one side
4. Dull, aching, or burning

Some other symptoms include

1. Rapid heartbeat
2. Abrupt onset of cough
3. Coughing blood
4. Cold or clammy skin
5. Excessive sweating
6. Low Blood Pressure
7. Bluish-coloured skin
8. Dizziness or fainting
9. Anxiety

Visit the best cardiologist in Hyderabad immediately if these symptoms come on their own.

Emergency Pulmonary Embolism Care

Pulmonary embolism becomes dangerous if not resolved spontaneously.

Pulmonary embolism treatment involves

1. Administering medicines to treat the clot
2. Performing a surgery

There are two aims of treatment

1. Stop the bleeding from existing clots.
2. Reducing the formation of new thrombi.

Anticoagulant drugs

Anticoagulants, colloquially known as “blood thinners,” help treat pulmonary embolism. These do not cause the clots to dissolve. Instead, they prevent clot development and help the body break down clots physiologically over time.

They can be administered in many ways:

1. Pills: Apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, and warfarin
2. Injections, including enoxaparin, dalteparin, and fondaparinux
3. IV injections (e.g., heparin)

For patients at lower risk for bleeding and requiring less follow-up monitoring, doctors may recommend newly launched oral blood thinners.

These include

1. Dabigatran
2. Rivaroxaban
3. Apixaban

Other Treatments

Doctors may recommend them when

1. PE causes severe illness
2. The patient cannot take anticoagulant drugs

So, the doctor may recommend

1. Tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA: A drug that breaks up clots.
2. Ultrasonic catheter: Utilises ultrasound waves to break clots, often combined with tPA.
3. Surgical embolectomy: surgical removal of clots.
4. Vac. catheter: An apparatus for withdrawing thrombi from a vein.
5. IVC filter: A small device implanted in the vena cava, catching clots before they reach the lungs.

Long-Term Care And Chronic Disorders

Some patients with acute pulmonary embolism experience scarring to the lung arteries. It contributes to chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Long-term risk assessment includes the assessment of risks for further clots, diagnosis of breathlessness, and applying appropriate prevention strategies.

Specialised clinicians often advise

1. Compiling of a comprehensive medical history
2. Undergoing blood tests to check for clotting.
3. Using imaging tests for follow-up

A tailored approach with medications and lifestyle modification decreases the risks of recurrence.

Prevention Tips for DVT

Lifestyle measures to reduce the risk of DVT include

1. Reducing the amount spent in bed when recovering from surgery or sickness
2. Taking blood thinning drugs
3. Indulging in physical activity
4. Moving leg muscles when forced to sit for long durations
5. Being physically active
6. Wearing compression stockings to boost blood flow

Ongoing Research and Summing Up

The best cardiologist in Hyderabad actively participate in research to prevent clot formation and the association of acute embolism with CTEPH. Participating in registry studies and gathering data from medically accredited centres can help one better understand this disease condition and treatment outcomes.

Dr Raghu hails from Hyderabad and specialises in heart conditions. He mainly practices in complex cardiovascular diseases of the heart. With broad experience and a patient-centred way of practice, he actively shares his knowledge in research activity on venous thromboembolism and its management.