Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism
Understanding Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a heart and circulatory condition in which a clot forms in the major veins of the body and blocks blood flow. When it happens in deep veins, usually in the legs, it is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). VTE can be quite serious and even life-threatening if not properly treated.
When VTE involves more than one area of the body it is referred to as symptomatic venous thromboembolism (S-VTE). S-VTE is a condition in which a clot or embolism has spread into the blood vessels and caused symptoms such as pain, swelling, and inflammation. Depending on the location of the clot and the underlying cause, S-VTE can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of S-VTE
Symptoms of S-VTE may vary depending on the location of the clot and can occur suddenly or develop over time. Some common symptoms include:
- Pain and swelling in the affected area
- Redness of the skin
- Warmth around the affected area
- Shortness of breath
- Pain and discomfort with movement
- Diminished or absent pulses
- Coughing up blood
Diagnosing S-VTE
If a doctor suspects that you may have S-VTE, they will typically order a few diagnostic tests. These tests may include:
- A Doppler ultrasound, which uses sound wave technology to detect the presence of a clot
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses a magnetic field to capture detailed images of the affected area
- Chest X-rays, which can detect any lung damage caused by a clot in the lungs
- A computerized tomography (CT) scan, which uses a series of x-rays to create detailed images
- A D-dimer test, a blood test that measures the level of a particular protein associated with clotting
Treating S-VTE
S-VTE is treated with anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners. These medications are used to prevent further clotting and reduce the risk of more serious complications. Depending on the individual patient, treatment may involve taking anticoagulants orally or in injection form. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a vascular filter to block any large clots that may be in the patient's veins. For some people, surgery may be necessary to remove the clot.
Additionally, lifestyle changes may be necessary to reduce the risk of recurrent S-VTE episodes. These changes may include eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and avoiding certain medications. Depending on the underlying cause, further treatment may also be recommended to prevent future blood clots.