Thrombolysis For DVT
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT):
Q: What is a DVT?
A: A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein,
most commonly in the leg but it can also occur in the arm. The vein can be either
partially or completely blocked.
Q: How common is DVT?
A: Every year, DVT occurs in about 1 in 1000 people in the general population:
ranging from 1 in several thousand people under the age of 20 years, up to 1 in
100 in those aged over 80 years.
Q: What causes DVT?
A: Normally, blood flows smoothly through the veins without clotting. Clots
develop in the body when the blood cells are triggered to clump together. The
formation of DVT clots can be triggered by a combination of factors including:
- Reduced blood flow through the veins increases the likelihood of blood cells sticking together. When people are immobile for a long period of time a DVT can form, eg as a result of being bed bound after an accident, surgery or illness, during long-distance travel (air, car, coach or train) or any situation which reduces mobility.
- Changes in the clotting mechanism of the blood caused by pregnancy, some drug treatments and an inherited tendency to clot. This can make the blood cells stickier.
- Damage to the lining of the blood vessel wall This can trigger blood cells to stick to the lining in an attempt to mend it eg after surgical procedures, trauma or inflammation.
Q: Who is most likely to get a DVT?
A: 90 to 95% of all those people who develop DVT or pulmonary embolism are
in the following groups:
- age: people aged over 40 years
- previous history: people who have had a previous DVT or PE
- existing health problems: recent treatment for cancer, recent surgery, especially on the pelvis, hips or knees
- hormonal changes in women: women who are pregnant or have recently had a baby; women who are taking the contraceptive pill or are on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
- inherited risk: people who have an inherited clotting tendency or who have a family history of blood clots Some people do not have any of these risk factors but still develop a DVT, which is why it is useful to know some of the symptoms (see below) so you can seek early advice.
Q: Is treatment always necessary for a DVT?
A: DVT is a serious condition and needs urgent investigation and treatment.
Q: If I am concerned what should I do?
A: You should see your general practitioner (GP) urgently for a medical
assessment. If, for any reason you cannot be seen by your GP, you should go to
your nearest Emergency Department.
Q: If I am found to have a DVT, what will happen next?
A: If we find you have a DVT, we will arrange a medical assessment in the
Emergency Assessment Unit. Most patients are suitable for outpatient
management by the Thrombosis Treatment Team. You will need to return to the
Thrombosis Treatment Team for daily blood monitoring for an average of 5-6 days.