At the Center for Vein Disease in Chevy Chase, MD, elite board-certified vein specialist Dr. Mehru Sonde, MD, DABVLM, offers expert care for patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition that can impact your health and quality of life. Fast action can keep your veins healthy and preserve your quality of life.
Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein—usually in the legs.  Veins send blood upward in your body, back to the heart for recirculation. However, a clot in a deep vein can interrupt that process. Without timely treatment, DVT can cause long-term issues or even become life-threatening.
Recognizing Symptoms and Signs of DVT
The early signs of DVT may include:
- Swelling in one leg
- Leg tenderness
- Aching or throbbing
- Warm-feeling spot on one leg
- Color change, with the leg turning red, blue, or purple
However, only about half of people with DVT have symptoms. That's why being aware of your risk factors is so important.
Causes and Risk Factors of DVT
Many things can lead to DVT.
- Lack of Movement: DVT often develops after long periods of immobility, like during long trips or after a hospital stay.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or inherited blood disorders, may increase your risk.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, vein pressure increases in the legs and pelvis. This raises the risk of a blood clot.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, lack of exercise, or excessive weight increase your chances.
- Family History: A family history of DVT or pulmonary embolism may increase your risk.
Diagnostic Process for DVT
Dr. Sonde and our team often use a combination of tools to diagnose DVT. An ultrasound is usually the first step, letting us see the clot and pinpoint its location. You could need a D-dimer blood test to check for clotting activity. In more complex cases, some patients need a CT or MRI scan. Prompt evaluation is essential so that treatment can begin right away.
Complications of Untreated DVT
Left untreated, DVT could lead to a pulmonary embolism, which disrupts blood flow in the lungs and can be fatal. Other long-term problems include post-thrombotic syndrome, which causes chronic leg pain and swelling, and venous insufficiency, where your veins can no longer move blood properly.
Treatment Options for DVT
Treatment often begins with blood thinners to help prevent new clots. In more serious cases, clot-busting medications may be needed.
Non-surgical care, like wearing compression stockings, losing extra weight, and avoiding long periods of sitting, can support recovery.
For some patients, Dr. Sonde may recommend procedures like thrombectomy (clot removal) or placement of an IVC filter.
If you don't have DVT yet but are at risk, Dr. Sonde may recommend treatments to manage your risk. Along with lifestyle changes, this may include varicose vein treatments such as endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), sclerotherapy, and VenaSeal™. Eliminating varicose veins can help restore healthy blood flow and discourage blood pooling and clot formation, significantly lowering your risk of DVT.
DVT Diagnosis and Treatment in Chevy Chase, MD
If you think you may have DVT or want to learn more about risk and prevention, contact the Center for Vein Disease in Chevy Chase at 301-220-8346 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sonde today.