Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) happens when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. This clot can block blood flow, causing leg pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. Even worse, clots can break free and travel to your lungs, causing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE).
Together, DVT and PE are collectively referred to as venous thromboembolism (VTE). According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), around 900,000 people are affected by VTE in the U.S., with 100,000 people dying from blood clots every year in the country.
That's where Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), the nation’s largest physician-led vein center, comes in—helping to keep you safe with thorough diagnosis and advanced outpatient treatment options.
Varicose veins, spider veins, or other symptoms of vein disease, such as leg pain, swelling, heaviness, or aching, are more than a cosmetic issue; they may be an early warning sign of a serious medical condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Also known as vein disease, this condition is where the veins can’t efficiently return blood to the heart.
Vein disease can lead to:
A visit to a CVR vein specialist can provide you with the answers and peace of mind you need. Our board-certified vein doctors perform simple, painless physical exams and ultrasounds to assess your vein health and check for hidden complications. With over 110 locations nationwide, CVR offers safe, minimally invasive vein treatments that relieve symptoms, improve appearance, and reduce your risk of serious complications like DVT and PE.
Your veins are talking! Don’t ignore the signs. Schedule a consultation with a CVR physician today and take proactive steps to protect your health.
📞 Call CVR at 240-965-3915
📅 Or book online HERE
1. Move Your Legs Often (and Strategically!)
What to do:
Why it matters:
Staying still slows blood flow and encourages the formation of clots. The Mayo Clinic confirms that even minor movement helps pump blood back to your heart and keeps your veins healthy
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
What to do:
Why it matters:
A study reported by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) investigated whether excess body weight increases the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) after a first unprovoked event. The study found that individuals with higher body mass index (BMI) had a significantly greater risk of recurrence, with obese patients (BMI ≥30) facing a 60 percent higher risk compared to those with normal BMI. Four years after treatment ended, the probability of recurrence was 9.3 percent in normal-weight patients versus 17.5 percent in obese individuals.
Researchers concluded that excess body weight is a significant, independent risk factor for recurrent VTE, even after adjusting for other known risk factors for thrombosis.
3. Wear Proper Compression
What to do:
Why it matters:
These stockings squeeze your legs to encourage blood flow. A study reported by the National Library of Medicine (NIH) found that wearing compression stockings while sitting for an extended period, such as during a long flight or workday, can help alleviate discomfort. People who wore the stockings experienced less leg pain, swelling, and fatigue, and their heart rates increased less, suggesting improved blood flow.
Furthermore, individuals wearing compression stockings reported feeling more relaxed and experiencing less discomfort in their legs. CVR vein experts can help you determine the best size for your compression stockings.
4. Watch Your Medications and Hormones
What to do:
Why it matters:
Hormone-containing drugs can raise your risk of clotting. Birth control pills and pregnancy are known risk factors, especially for those with other vein issues.
5. Avoid Smoking and Stay Hydrated
What to do:
Why it matters:
Smoking damages blood vessels and slows circulation. Dehydration thickens blood, making it more likely to form blood clots.
6. Know Your Risk for Blood Clots & Act Fast if You Suspect DVT
What to do:
Why it matters:
Many DVTs happen after surgery or hospitalization. Up to 80 percent of patients with DVT have at least one risk factor, such as immobility, age, obesity, or cancer. According to the NIH, approximately 30 percent of those who have a DVT in a given year will suffer from a recurrent episode sometime in the next 10 years, with the risk being greatest in the first two years.
CVR offers a DVT rule-out service that provides high-priority, noninvasive DVT testing as an alternative to hospital ERs. This one-stop management approach includes a scan and treatment with anticoagulation, education, and follow-up care if needed. Call the DVT hotline at 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388).
If you’ve noticed aching legs, swelling, or visible vein changes, you may be at a higher risk for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The vein doctors at Center for Vein Restoration are trained to detect and treat these conditions using safe, minimally invasive procedures.
🩺 When you schedule a consultation at Center for Vein Restoration, you’ll receive:
About Vein Disease
Spider Veins
Varicose Veins
Vein Disease Treatments
Treating Spider Veins
Treating Varicose Veins
About Us
Patient Resources
Physician Resources