How Does a Deep Vein Thrombosis Form?

Before getting into the details of what causes deep vein thrombosis, it is essential to understand what is deep vein thrombosis or DVT. DVT or known as deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot occurring in the veins. And most importantly, the occurrence is in the legs but can also appear in different parts of the body.

The most common cause for the occurrence of the deep vein thrombosis is immobility. As there are complications that can occur elsewhere, breaking off is common in such instances, and such a status is dangerous, as the clot travels to the pulmonary embolus. Nonetheless, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of such a situation by providing an anticoagulant treatment.

The deep vein thrombosis occurs in any of the deep veins in the form of a blood clot. Interestingly, the appearance of the lump is usually in the leg, making it painful and swollen. In many of the circumstances, the clump slowly rises to the lungs causing a pulmonary embolus. Deep veins are nothing but larger veins that pass through the muscle calf and thighs. You cannot see these veins just like others below the skin. Besides, the occurrence of DVT will wholly or partially block the flow of blood in the vein.

Unlike acting directly, deep vein thrombosis is a part of venous thromboembolism. Venous means veins and thrombosis is a barricade by blood vessel due to the blood clot. Embolism appears when the thrombus dislocates itself from its original position and begins to travel in the bloodstream. Due to this, it further becomes as a blockage to the narrower blood vessel at different parts of the body. The entire situation is embolus, and the pulmonary embolus occurs when the thrombus breaks off from the deep brain thrombosis and gets stuck in any of the blood vessels in the lung.

There is no apparent reason for the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis. Blood flows quickly through the veins without becoming solid. In addition to it, movement of the leg provides the needed support for the blood to flow freely in leg veins because of the squeezing action of the muscles. Nonetheless, the following factors could trigger the formation of clots in leg veins and pose a risk and development of deep vein thrombosis:

1. Immobility:

   1. A surgical operation where the patient underwent anesthetic effect that lasted for more than two hours making it difficult for the muscles in the leg to become come back to normal
   2. An injury or an illness that makes it impossible for the individual to have mobility. For example, a person with any one of the leg in hard plaster after a fracture
   3. Long journeys can also pose a slight increase in the risk for the occurrence of DVT, as there is no mobility for the individual

2. Any damage to the inside lining of the vein surges the chances for clot formation. For instance, if there was damage previously due to an injury to the lining of the vein, it is possible that the person can experience the DVT in the near future. Apart from this, inflammation of the vein walls and certain medications can also increase the risk for the appearance of DVT.

3. Use of hormonal replacement therapy and contraceptive pill also increases the risk of blood clot.

4. Obesity, smoking, pregnancy, senior citizens, and patients with symptoms of cancer and heart failure have increased risk for the occurrence of DVT.