Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects around one person in every 1,000 in the UK alone, but little is known about the condition.
Caused by a blood clot in one of the deep veins of the body - usually in the legs - DVT required immediate medical attention and can lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. This is where the clot travels to the lungs and blocks a blood vessel, a complication that was responsible for more than 2,600 deaths in Engand and Wales back in 2021.
Therefore, it's imperative to understand the early warning signs of DVT, and how you could be putting yourself at greater risk. To mark Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness month, here's everything you need to know about the condition.
According to the NHS, the main symptom of DVT is a 'throbbing pain' that tends to only affect one leg. This is usually in the calf or thigh and occurs when walking or standing up. 'Red or darkened skin' around the painful area is another warning sign, that will be harder for those with darker skin to spot.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health says this discolouration is caused by the 'breakdown of red blood cells as they pass through high pressure areas'. "The skin in this area then becomes dry and flaky, causing itching. Continued inflammation and irritation can lead to skin breakdown, eczema and the development of skin ulcers," they added.
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If you think you have DVT, the recommended advice is to call 111 or ask your GP for an urgent appointment. Other symptoms to look out for include:
- Swelling in one leg (this rarely occurs in both legs)
- Swollen veins that are hard/sore to touch
- Warm skin around the painful area.
Who is at risk of developing DVT?
Contrary to popular belief, jet setting away on long-haul flights isn't the only cause of DVT - although extended periods of inactivity can put you at higher risk. Leading charity British Heart Foundation states that people with heart failure and cancer, as well as smokers, and being overweight are all significant risk factors.
The NHS also points out that taking the contraceptive pill or HRT can also put you at increased risk for DVT. It recommends maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, quitting smoking and avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol.
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The seriousness of DVT should not be undermined, as Maela Penney found the hard way. The the-college student sought medical attention after experiencing leg pain, but nurses allegedly blamed it on her being a 'lazy student who lays in bed too long'.
However, after being sent home with painkillers, Maela's symptoms got progressively worse. She now claims she nearly died after experts eventually discovered six blood clots .
"My whole left leg basically seized up and I was in absolute agony. I had to be wheeled into the doctors, I couldn't walk," she said. "I saw the same nurse again who said 'Oh I think you might have deep vein thrombosis and told me to go to hospital. I don't know how long I'd had that condition. My leg was really swollen at that point and was seized up. I was in absolute agony, I couldn't walk at all."
You can read Maela's full story here.
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