All the deep vein thrombosis early warning symptoms can help in identifying this disease at an early stage. The article discusses about deep vein thrombosis (DVT) explaining the risk factors that can lead to the disease.

How does DVT develop?
Blood keeps flowing in the body. Sometimes the blood flow may become stagnant leading to the formation of a clot. Clots form regularly in the body but are microscopic and can be broken down by the body. The problem is when the clot is a big one.

In DVT, a clot forms in a vein usually deep in the leg and sometimes in the arm or other places. The clot can prevent the normal flow of blood. The clot can lead to pain, swelling, and other symptoms. Sometimes, the clot may break loose in the vein and move to the lungs, where it can block a pulmonary artery. This is known as pulmonary embolism and can cause serious problems.

Being warned
Knowing about deep vein thrombosis early warning symptoms can help in identifying DVT at an early stage so that treatment can be taken. If not treated, it can progress to a pulmonary embolism that can even be fatal.

There are seven early warning signs of DVT. If one or more of these are observed, then one should immediately meet a doctor for treatment to prevent an embolism from developing.

• Swelling in the area that has the clot (leg or arm).
• Pain in the affected area, which usually sets in gradually.
• Redness of the affected area.
• A feeling of warmth in the affected area.
• Leg pain that becomes worse when bending the leg.
• Cramps that start in the calf and occur at night.
• The skin becoming discolored and appearing bluish or white.

Risk factors
DVT is caused by clotting of the blood which can happen due to various reasons, including side effects of medication, immobility causing stagnation of blood, and injuries to blood vessels. There are certain risk factors that increase the possibility of developing DVT. It is important to be aware of these risk factors.

• Those over 40 are more at risk of developing DVT.
• Those who are immobile due to health problems or recovering from surgery are at higher risk of developing DVT.
• Those who are immobile for a long period, like flight travel are at a greater risk of DVT. This is because immobility prevents smooth circulation of blood causing stagnation.
• Pregnant women are at an increased risk of DTV since the weight of the baby puts pressure on the veins.
• Those who are obese with a body mass index of 30 or more have a great chance of developing DVT.
• Diseases like cancer, irritable bowel disease, and heart problems can increase the risk.
• Smoking harms the blood vessel lining making it susceptible to injury and clots.

The overview of the deep vein thrombosis early warning symptoms and the risk factors for developing DVT would have been informative. If you are at risk of DVT and experience any of these early symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.