Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
Deep Vein Thrombosis, more commonly known as DVT, is when a blood clot develops within a deep vein. Blood clots are simply when blood has clumped together and formed into a solid state within the vein.
DVT can be dangerous! If you think you are suffering with this, seek medical attention straight away!
Causes of DVT
DVT can be caused in a few ways, some through your own doing, but not always…
If you have been injured and have caused damaged to the blood vessel walls, this can narrow the vein and therefore reduce the blood flow. If blood is slower passing through your vein, it can begin to clump together.
If you have reduced mobility or tend to be an inactive person, this can also cause DVT. Blood clots can form when you are frequently sat down. Therefore, they often tend to occur in the legs and lower body!
Through no fault of your own, surgery may cause DVT too. Whilst performing the surgical procedure, if a blood vessel is damaged, it can lead to clots during the post-surgery stage, causing DVT to develop.
For people who take regular medication, there are some that may unfortunately lead to DVT. This is not something that can be avoided due to medical conditions but can be monitored.
How to try and avoid DVT
There are some ways to try and avoid DVT…
If you stay active and exercise regularly, this can help keep the blood moving through your body.
To also help this, keeping yourself hydrated through drinking plenty of fluids will keep the blood moving through your body, without clumping together.
It is also important to try and maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight may lead to the onset of DVT.
DVT Scan Ultrasound
At Ultrasound Care, we are able to offer DVT Scan Ultrasounds for both men and women who are aged 16 or above!
If you notice redness along the shins, swelling in the lower legs and extremities, pain in your legs or you have a family history of DVT, a scan may help establish if DVT is the cause of these issues.
The scan will be applied from the groin, down the leg/s, depending upon whether you opt for a unilateral scan (1 leg) or a bilateral scan (2 legs). Ultrasound Care can offer both options! Once the ultrasound is complete, a full report will be compiled and forwarded to your GP to follow up with you.
Contact Ultrasound Care Today!
If you are in need of a Deep Vein Thrombosis Scan, please contact Ultrasound Care today! Our Birmingham and Bromsgrove Clinics are able to provide these ultrasound scans to patients, giving you some reassurance.
Birmingham Clinic – Hagley Road West, Birmingham
Bromsgrove Clinic – 8 New Road, Bromsgrove, B60 2JD