Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a health condition in which blood clots form in the body’s deep veins, leading to symptoms like pain, swelling, and red or darkened skin. The clots can develop anywhere in the body, but the most common areas include the legs, thighs, or pelvis. Thankfully, there are several easy treatment options for the problem. This article discusses the complications of DVT and some valuable prevention tips.

Complications of DVT
If left ignored, the disease could lead to the following complications:

1. Pulmonary embolism
Sometimes, the blood clots move from the deep veins of the legs to an artery in the lungs. The problem is called pulmonary embolism, and it can lead to several respiratory issues, including symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough. If the condition worsens, it can even cause an elevated heartbeat or damage the lung tissues.

2. Chronic venous insufficiency
The veins have valves that prevent the blood from flowing backward. However, as DVT progresses, these valves are affected. As a result, deoxygenated blood from the legs does not flow to the heart and accumulates in one place, forming clots. The problem is called chronic venous insufficiency.

3. Post-thrombotic syndrome
If DVT goes untreated for a long time, it leads to chronic pain and visible swelling in the legs. In addition, one may also experience heaviness, itching, and tightness in the area. The problem is called post-thrombotic syndrome and could be due to the clot that continues to grow.

Prevention tips for DVT
Here are a few crucial measures to keep the condition at bay:

1. Maintain a healthy body weight
Being overweight could be a risk factor for DVT. Excess fat in the body can exert pressure on the veins and make it harder for blood to pass, resulting in clotting. So, reducing body weight is one of the effective ways of preventing the condition.

2. Indulge in regular physical activity
A sedentary lifestyle can make things worse for people with DVT. Sitting in one place can slow down blood circulation, putting one at risk of developing blood clots. The least one can do is stretch their legs regularly or take a quick walk around the house to ward off the risk.

3. Quit smoking
Smoking, in general, affects the natural clotting ability of the blood and also leads to irregularities in blood circulation. Both these could be harmful to people suffering from DVT. Therefore, one can quit smoking to avoid the disease.

4. Avoid wearing tight clothes
Ill-fitting clothes can often affect blood flow in the legs. Wearing jeans that are too tight or clothes that are uncomfortable can worsen the clots. So, one must choose loose clothes that do not restrict their movement.

Most of the DVT complications can be uncomfortable. Treating the condition early and preventing the clots from worsening would be effective in the fight against the disease.