DVT

What is a DVT? 

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a clot which has formed in the deep vein, usually in the leg. It most commonly starts in the calf veins but can extend up into the thigh. This can occur due to a number of factors which include reduced flow in the vein and / or damage to the vein's wall, and changes making the blood sticky and more likely to clot. 

Typical symptoms of DVT are pain and tenderness in the calf with a sensation of heat and swelling sometimes associated with redness / disclouration of the skin. This commonly occurs in the calf but can occur in the whole leg. 

What happens next? 

The Emergency doctor has assessed your symptoms today and suspects that you may have a DVT which warrants further investigation to confirm. 

It should be noted that there are a number of alternative causes to leg swelling and pain that will also need to be considered including muscle strains and infection as examples. 

You have been referred to the DVT clinic to investigate these symptoms further. The specialist nurses at this clinic will contact you by phone in the next few days to make arrangements for your clinic review. 

Please note that this phone call may appear on your phone as coming from an 0800 number or a withheld number-please make sure that you answer such a call. 

If you have not heard from the DVT clinic within 3 days of your A&E visit please contact them on 01592 721146 or 01592 729773. 

DVT Clinic 

You will be assessed in the clinic by a specialist nurse. Based on your symptoms and examination findings they will assess your risk of DVT and consider appropriate further investigations. 

2 commonly used tests include a blood test called a D Dimer test and a doppler ultrasound scan. 

Depending on your risk of DVT it may not be necessary to perform a doppler ultrasound scan and the specialist nurse may reach an alternative diagnosis without further investigation. 

Is DVT serious? 

It can be serious and is a potentially life threatening condition if a pulmonary embolus occurs. This is when a blood clot breaks off and travels in the blood stream and becomes lodged in the lung arteries which supply blood to the lungs. 

Symptoms can include 

• Shortness of breath-either sudden or gradual 

• Chest pain which can be made worse on breathing in 

• Sudden collapse 

• Coughing up blood 

• Heart racing 

• Dizziness or light headedness 

If these symptoms develop you must seek urgent medical advice either from your GP, contacting 999 or attending the Emergency Department directly. 

What is the treatment for DVT? 

Treatment for a DVT is anticoagulation (blood thinners') which can commonly take the form of tablets but in some cases may require injections. 

These medications act to slow down the blood's clotting process (sometimes referred to as ' thinning the blood'). 

The emergency department doctor may have started you on this medication whilst awaiting further investigations at the DVT clinic. This will depend on your medical history and current medications. 

This anticoagulation will help to prevent the clot getting bigger so your body can gradually dissolve the clot. The medication will also reduce the risk of another clot developing and reduce the risk of long term complications from the DVT. 

If a DVT is confirmed in the clinic, the specialist nurse will discuss how long you require to stay on this medication and if any further investigations are required to determine the cause of your clot developing. 

It is very important to remember that anticoagulants only continue to work if you take them regularly and as prescribed.