Every year about 250.000 people in the States die for complications of Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Did you know that immobility, prolonged sitting (as occurs when you travel long distances) or even a relatively sedentary life can lead to venous stasis and predispose your body to Deep Vein Thrombosis! (You can see above a Deep Vein Thrombosis picture)

In my previous articles I spoke about the many causes of deep vein Thrombosis and now I would like to increase awareness of deep vein thrombosis symptoms.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) usually occurs in one of the legs, rarely in the arms or neck, regardless of the cause. The characteristic symptom is the appearance of rapid swelling of the affected leg with edema. Generally, patients notice the swelling right after they wake up. In ambulatory patients, the swelling is greatest at the ankle and lower leg, usually develops in 1 to 2 days. There might be increasing pain each passing day, although according some people don't feel any pain. Physical examination often reveals edema and an increase in mild to moderate skin temperature in the calf or thigh.

Venous thrombosis of the calf can be overlooked cause it rarely produce any symptoms or very mild ones. There are four to six deep veins in the calf. The occlusion of one or two of them is likely to worsen the venous drainage, drain it all in the popliteal vein. Venous thrombosis of the calf without the swelling usually is common in sedentary patients.

Complications of deep vein thrombosis include venous thromboembolism, especially pulmonary embolism (which can lead to death within 30 min after onset). Unrecognized and untreated DVT can cause long-term morbidity for chronic venous stasis (postphlebitic syndrome) and predispose patients to recurrent venous thromboembolism.

Besides the swelling of the affected area, among other symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis we can mention:

- Sore leg, which may also extend to the ankle and foot. The pain usually occurs at the calf, and looks like a cramp or a pulled muscle (be aware of this symptom! If recently you didn't do any physical activity this could be the first signal that you are getting DVT).

- Redness and increased temperature of the affected area.

- Difficulty in walking (as each day passes the pain increases and it becomes almost impossible to walk).

If you recognize these symptoms and you think you might have Deep Vein Thrombosis, don't wait any further and go to see your doctor as soon as possible.