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Home Health Library Deep Vein Thrombosis
Serious severity · Cardiology

Deep Vein Thrombosis

DVT · Blood clot in the leg vein

A clot forms in a deep leg vein, often after immobility or surgery. The danger: it can break off and lodge in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

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At a glance
Prevalence
Rising after long flights & surgery
Typical age
Any age, risk rises after 40
Outlook
Treatable, recur risk
System
Heart
Reviewed by a verified Cardiology doctor
What causes it

Causes

  • Long-haul travel or bed rest
  • Recent surgery or fracture
  • Cancer or chemotherapy
  • Hormonal contraceptives
  • Genetic clotting disorders
How it feels

Symptoms & effects

  • Calf or thigh swelling
  • Pain or tenderness, often unilateral
  • Skin warmth and redness
  • Sudden breathlessness — possible PE
  • Coughing up blood
How it’s treated

Treatment & cure

  • Doppler ultrasound diagnosis
  • Anticoagulants (DOACs, heparin) for 3–6 months
  • Compression stockings
  • Thrombolytics for large clots
  • IVC filter if anticoagulants not tolerated
Staying ahead

Prevention

  • Walk every 2 hours on long flights
  • Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol in flight
  • Use compression socks if at risk
  • Mobilize early after surgery
  • Stop smoking; lose weight

Do’s

  • Hydrate and stretch on long trips
  • Take anticoagulants on time
  • Elevate the affected leg
  • Wear graduated compression stockings

Don’ts

  • Massage a swollen calf
  • Take aspirin instead of prescribed anticoagulant
  • Sit cross-legged for hours
  • Smoke while on hormonal contraception
See a doctor immediately if

Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.

Top specialists

Top 4 doctors for Deep Vein Thrombosis

Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.

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RA 1

Dr. Rangholiya Ankur

MD Medicine · 11 yrs

0 (0)
Sarthi hospital · 3 rd floor
Next slot By appointment · ₹5000
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RS 2

Dr. Roshani Savaliya

MD Medicine · 7 yrs

0 (0)
new civil hospital surat · athwagate
Next slot By appointment · ₹1000
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BS 3

Dr. Bhargav Sagar

MD Medicine · 6 yrs

0 (0)
P P Savani Hospital · Surat
Next slot By appointment · ₹800
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PP 4

Dr. Piyush Patoliya

MD Medicine · 6 yrs

0 (0)
Vaghani Hospital and Prasutigruh · 4th Floor
Next slot By appointment · ₹800
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Disclaimer · This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment. Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.