Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs or thighs. DVT may cause several uncomfortable symptoms, but what’s more concerning is the clot’s risk of breaking loose and traveling to the lungs, where it can block a vessel, suppress proper blood flow, and prevent the body from getting the oxygen it needs. This potentially life-threatening condition is known as a pulmonary embolism (PE).
Physicians treat DVT depending on a patient’s medical history. But its causes aren’t always obvious or identifiable, and those who are otherwise healthy are still at risk for DVT. These two different classifications are known as “provoked” and “unprovoked” DVT.
What distinguishes provoked DVT from unprovoked DVT, and should patients have worries when diagnosed with one type over the other? Let’s dive in and discuss the similarities and differences between the two categories, including causes, risk factors, and treatments.
As always, if you’re unsure about your DVT risk, contact Center for Vein Restoration (CVR). We offer a DVT rule-out service for same-day or next-day diagnosis and treatment plans. Our DVT hotline number is 877-SCAN-DVT.
We mentioned that DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep leg vein. According to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 30 percent of people with DVT have no symptoms. When symptoms do arise, however, they can range from mild to severe. Signs of a DVT include:
Those who experience any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical care to avoid severe complications.
We’ve defined DVT—but who’s most likely to develop it? DVT has a higher chance of occurring in those who:
Another important note about DVT: according to the National Health Service, DVT is more likely to develop in patients who have varicose veins. Those who have had a DVT in the past also have an increased risk, making it essential to prioritize overall vascular and circulatory health as a part of DVT prevention.
Certain activities can cause a spike in DVT risk, but only temporarily. For example, patients who have limited mobility after an operation and are confined to bed or those who are sedentary while traveling have a short-term increase in DVT risk. Pregnancy and dehydration temporarily boost the chances of developing a DVT, as well.
Now that we’ve discussed the symptoms and risk factors surrounding DVT as a whole, let’s clarify the primary difference between provoked and unprovoked DVT.
Provoked DVT cases have identifiable risk factors or triggers. But remember that there’s a high percentage of DVT cases that don’t show symptoms at all—these are classified as unprovoked DVT since they occur without a clear cause.
This may seem like a simple differentiator, but the undetected nature of unprovoked DVT means that it can form in people who appear otherwise healthy. This indicates the possibility of a fundamental clotting disorder susceptibility surrounding unprovoked DVT and ultimately points to the potential for deeper health issues.
Whether provoked or unprovoked, treating your DVT as quickly and efficiently as possible is the best way to minimize the chances of complications. After your DVT is diagnosed, typically through a duplex venous ultrasound, a venography procedure, a computed tomography (CT) scan, or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) procedure, you can discuss the best way to combat the clot.
Take note: if your doctor thinks you might be predisposed to blood clotting disorders, you may be asked to undergo special blood testing. This will likely be the case if your DVT is unprovoked and no specific cause is determined.
The purpose of DVT treatment is to:
One of the most common treatments for DVT is a medication called an anticoagulant, which makes it more difficult for the blood to clot. While anticoagulants—or blood thinners—don’t dissolve the clot per se, the medicine prevents it from growing and moving. The body then begins its natural healing process until the clot disappears or shrinks to a small “scar” in the initially affected vein. At this point, symptoms are rare, though leg swelling is sometimes reported.
Another potential treatment option for DVT—as well as a habit that perpetually boosts overall vein health—is wearing compression stockings. Medical-grade compression socks can help with acute edema (swelling) and pain caused by DVT, according to Yale Medicine, which added that these therapeutic garments decrease leg fatigue and swelling caused by varicose veins and other forms of vein disease.
Remember: our expert CVR vein physicians help you select a pair and take measurements based on your medical history and specific symptoms.
Those who can’t take blood thinners—or who are taking blood thinners but still experience clotting issues—may be well-suited for a procedure for an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter. Performed under local anesthesia, this procedure entails the insertion of a filter through a catheter into a large neck or groin vein, where the filter enters the vena cava—the largest vein in the body. While the filter helps prevent a PE, it doesn’t stop blood clots from forming entirely.
Managing venous conditions such as DVT, varicose veins, and spider veins ultimately starts with awareness. While it’s just one step of your care approach, understanding the main difference between provoked and unprovoked DVT is crucial, as it can heavily influence your treatment plan. Contact a board-certified CVR physician to get a diagnosis and discuss the customized treatment option that best aligns with your needs. Your well-being is worth it!
CVR accepts most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Medicare. Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule a consultation online at a CVR near you today.
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