Deep Vein Thrombosis, DVT, is caused by the pooling of blood in a vein, which triggers the blood clotting mechanism. The formation of the blood clot, known as a thrombus, usually occurs in a deep leg vein between the ankle and the upper calf.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a very serious condition because it can cause permanent damage to the leg or it can lead to pulmonary embolism which is life-threatening. Anyone can be at risk of developing DVT; the risk of developing blood clots increases by 48 percent for those who sit more than four hours a day. This is not a long period of time when you imagine the number of people sitting at a desk, movie theatre, whilst driving or on a train and watching television.

Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep Vein Thrombosis can occur suddenly and in roughly half the people, DVT does not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, the following symptoms should be taken seriously as they may indicative of DVT and include:

• Skin on the leg feels warm for no known reason
• Experiencing pain whilst walking or standing
• Red or discoloured skin on the leg
• Pronounced veins
• Tired legs
• Swelling in one or both legs

Risk factors for Deep Vein Thrombosis

Apart from sitting for long periods of time, the following factors can increase the risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis and include:

• Smoking
• Age
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Use of contraceptives
• Limited mobility
• Obesity

How to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis

There are many ways to prevent DVT, the main one being the choice of a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle means eating healthily, drinking lots of water, exercising, limiting the intake of alcohol and caffeine, and abstaining from smoking. If your job means that you are sitting down for long periods of time, try to keep your legs active by moving them even whilst you are sitting just to get blood flowing in the veins. Alternatively, get an Airogym Exerciser, a pocket sized inflatable exercise cushion, which can be used whilst you are at your desk or simply sitting down for long periods of time to get the blood moving in the body.

On the subject of sitting down for long periods in time, researchers at Osaka University found that there was a 40 percent increased risk of pulmonary embolism for every two hours of extra TV watched each day beyond the threshold of 2.5 hours. Our parents used to say that watching TV may be bad for you and it turns out they may have been right.

Compression stockings are often recommended by practitioners to prevent DVT. Compression stockings may offer some degree of protection, but they have been shown to have limited effectiveness for long term use because they may affect the clot breakdown mechanisms.

To enhance circulation within the whole body, please consider the use of Diosmin Plus. Diosmin Plus contains two of the most common herbs, ginger and pine bark, that have a long history of use for circulatory problems such as Raynaud's Syndrome. Moving blood around may offer some benefits in trying to prevent DVT. 

DVT is a dangerous concern that can strike anyone at any point in their life. Choosing a healthy lifestyle and the right supplement, you may drastically reduce your chances of getting a blood clot.

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