Is DVT an Emergency?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs. Symptoms of DVT include swelling, pain, and redness around the area. The National Blood Clot Alliance estimates 300,000 first-time DVT cases occurring annually in the United States, and while the condition may seem relatively common, it can lead to serious, even life-threatening complications if not treated promptly. In this blog, we discuss whether DVT is considered an emergency, potential complications, and tips to prevent or manage the condition.

Are you concerned about your DVT risk? Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) experts are here to provide clarity and support by helping you navigate your treatment options while managing your care and recovery each step the way. We also offer a DVT rule-out service for same-day or next-day diagnosis and treatment plans. Call our hotline number at 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388).

What Is DVT?

DVT is the result of blood flow slowing down or becoming obstructed in the veins, which causes a clot. The blood clot can form in any deep vein but commonly develops in the lower legs or thighs. DVT often shows symptoms such as:

• Swelling or bulging in the leg
• Pain or tenderness, especially when standing or walking
• Red or discolored skin
• Warmth around the affected area

However, it's important to clarify that many people with DVT may not experience any noticeable symptoms. This makes it critical to be aware of the risk factors that could lead to DVT, such as family history, current medications, and lifestyle factors, and to seek medical advice if you think you may be at risk.

Why Is DVT Dangerous?

The main risk of DVT is the blood clot’s potential to break free from its location and travel through the bloodstream. This is known as an embolism, and if the clot reaches the lungs, it may cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening condition. A PE can block the blood flow to the lungs, which may cause severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, and even sudden death.

Left untreated, DVT can also lead to chronic complications, including post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), which includes long-term symptoms such as pain, swelling, and skin changes in the affected leg. This often results in ongoing discomfort and disability, which can significantly impact overall well-being. According to the Cleveland Clinic, as many as half of those who get a DVT develop symptoms of PTS, and they can last months to years.

Is DVT Considered an Emergency?

DVT is absolutely considered an emergency given its potential to lead to a PE. That said, its level of urgency can vary depending on a person’s specific symptoms and medical history. The bottom line: Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial if you think you have DVT or if you’re experiencing similar symptoms.

Signs that indicate a need for emergency care include:

1. Sudden shortness of breath: This could be a sign of a pulmonary embolism.
2. Chest pain: Abrupt chest pain may mean a blood clot has traveled to the lungs.
3. Fainting or dizziness: These symptoms could be related to a severe DVT complication, such as a PE.
4. Swelling or intensifying pain in one leg could mean a blood clot is growing or worsening.

It’s important to note that the possibility of a PE makes it vital to treat DVT with urgency, even though not all cases are immediately life-threatening. Time is of the essence when it comes to DVT diagnosis and treatment: The faster you receive medical intervention, the lower your risk of developing severe complications.

Are you worried about emergency room wait times? Remember, 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).

DVT: Diagnosis and Treatment

If symptoms of DVT are present, a doctor will typically perform an assessment that includes a physical examination and diagnostic tests. These tests often include:

• Ultrasound: The most common diagnostic tool for DVT, an ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the veins and identify the size and location of the blood clot.
• D-dimer test: This blood test can help rule out PE while determining whether there are abnormal levels of fibrin degradation products in the blood, which is a sign that a clot may be present.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This may be used to diagnose DVT in the veins of the abdomen rather than the legs.

Once DVT is diagnosed, its treatment method is primarily determined by its severity level. According to the Mayo Clinic, common treatments for DVT include:

1. Anticoagulants (blood thinners): These medications help prevent clots from growing while reducing the risk of new clots forming.
2. Thrombolytics (clot-busting drugs): Used to dissolve the blood clot quickly, these medications are administered directly into the clot. They’re typically only used in severe DVT or PE cases or if other medications aren’t working.
3. Compression stockings: Medical-grade compression stockings can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow in the legs. Your CVR physician can measure and make recommendations to ensure a perfect fit.

The ultimate goal of these treatments is to prevent the clot from breaking loose and reduce the risk of DVT complications, such as PE.

Preventing DVT

While DVT can occur in anyone, specific lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing the condition. These include:

• Staying active: Keeping a regular exercise routine helps boost circulation and prevent blood from clotting.
• Avoiding long periods of immobility: If you are sitting or lying down for extended periods, for example, during work or travel, move your legs regularly to promote blood flow.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases DVT risk, so maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce it.
• Wearing compression stockings: Compression stockings are both a preventive measure and a treatment option for individuals at higher risk of DVT, such as those recovering from surgery or with a history of blood clots. They help promote circulation and reduce the risk of developing DVT.

Don’t risk dangerous complications by letting your DVT go untreated. CVR’s comprehensive DVT rule-out service is ideal for those who suspect they may have a DVT. Learn about this all-in-one solution and receive immediate assistance by calling our DVT hotline at 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388).

DVT Emergencies: Let the CVR Team Give You Peace of Mind

DVT is a potentially serious condition that should never be taken lightly. While it may not always present as a life-threatening emergency, it has the possibility to lead to severe complications, such as PE. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms associated with the condition should seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are key factors to managing DVT and reducing the risk of dangerous, potentially long-term complications.

If you're beginning your journey toward improved vein health or have questions about leg problems, let our board-certified physicians provide support with a personalized approach and vein treatment plan. Call 240-965-3915 or visit our SCHEDULING PORTAL to book a consultation at a CVR vein clinic near you.

CVR accepts most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Medicare.