Venous Thrombosis FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can DVT affect young and healthy people?
DVT mainly affects the older age group (over 60), but all ages are affected. Be aware of the DVT risk factors and adopt strategies to reduce this risk. Individuals carrying the abnormal clotting genes may suffer multiple blood clots at a young age.
2. Is the oral contraceptive pill a risk factor for DVT?
Yes. However, the vast majority of women on the pill do not suffer from blood clots. Other risk factors, such as prolonged immobility, should be avoided when taking the contraceptive pill.
3. Does being overweight increase the risk of DVT?
Obesity is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including the development of DVT. Obesity is usually associated with reduced mobility, which compounds the DVT risk.
4. If I develop DVT, do I have to be on treatment forever?
No, not usually. In patients with a clear DVT trigger that is reversible, treatment usually takes six to 12 weeks. For cases in which the risk of developing new thromboses remains high (such as in patients with certain cancers or genetic abnormalities), therapy may need to be continued for months to years. Some patients remain on oral medication for life.
5. What can I do to help prevent DVT on a long flight?
Wear comfortable, loosefitting clothes for travel. Drink plenty of water or juice, but avoid drinking alcohol. When seated, shift the position of your body periodically. You can also do simple exercises, or walk around the plane when safely permitted. Wear compression stockings, and avoid sleeping tablets. Sometimes, a preventative anticoagulation is used, which can be self-injected by the patient
6. Can sclerotherapy treatment on leg veins cause DVT?
The DVT risk associated with sclerotherapy is exceptionally low, making it one of the safest procedures for vein treatment. Posttreatment compression and walking are important factors that help prevent DVT.
7. Does taking aspirin prevent DVT?
Although commonly taken and prescribed, there is no evidence that aspirin reduces the likelihood of DVT.
8. Can surgery on leg veins cause DVT?
The DVT risk associated with surgery can be quite significant. Reports of five per cent DVT after varicose vein operation on one leg, and 15 per cent after varicose vein operation on both legs, have appeared in scientific literature. The risk varies depending on patient factors such as age, weight, gender and degree of mobility after surgery. Most patients are discharged on the same day and are mobile fairly quickly, which is important in prevention of DVT.
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