Deep Vein thrombosis

Question 1

What is deep vein thrombosis?

Answer 1

Formation of a blood clot (“thrombus”) in a deep vein. It most commonly affects the leg veins or deep veins of the pelvis.

Question 2

Causes of thrombosis?

Answer 2

Virchow’s Triad

• stasis of blood flow
• endothelial injury
• hypercoagubility

Question 3

What are some other risk factors?

Answer 3

Surgery, hospitalization
Age, obesity, infection, immobilization 
Hormonal contraception
tobacco
air travel

Question 4

What are some of the symptoms of DVT?

Answer 4

Swelling of calf
Pain
Dilation of surface of veins
Redness of the leg

Question 5

Why breathless?

Answer 5

DVT can lead to pulmonary embolism

Embolus - broken down clot

Material such as blood clot can be carried by the blood from one point in circulation to lodge another point

Clot –> IVC –> right atrium –> right ventricle –> pulmonary arteries = BLOCKING LUNGS

Question 6

Why might smoking have contributed to DVT?

Answer 6

High levels of fibrin in smokers, makes more platelets - blood more viscous

Question 7

Treatment?

Answer 7

Anticoagulent - low molefcular weight HEPARIN (immediate)

then WARFARIN

Question 8

Difference between heparin and warfarin

Answer 8

Heparin works really fast - so it is for immediate relief