Diagnosing
Diagnosing DVT is simple, easy to perform, and non-invasive. Jelly is applied to your skin, and the sound waves are listened to for approximately 30 minutes. This test can save your life.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are occasionally also used. MRI's show pictures of of the inside of your body by using radio waves to make the image. This test is being used more frequently to diagnose deep vein thrombosis.
Treatment
DVTs are usually treated through blood thinners or anti-coagulants; which stop the clot from getting larger or breaking off, while your body heals itself and absorbs the clot. Usually, one is on blood thinners for 3-6 months.
• Anticoagulants can be taken as either a pill (warfarin) or an injection (heparin).
Your doctor may treat you with both heparin and warfarin (Coumadin) at the same time. Heparin acts quickly. Warfarin takes 2 to 3 days before it starts to work. Once the warfarin starts to work, the heparin is stopped.
Pregnant women can’t take warfarin and are treated with heparin only.
Treatment for deep vein thrombosis with anticoagulants usually lasts from 3 to 6 months. However, the following situations may change the length of treatment:
- If your blood clot occurred after a short-term risk (for example, surgery), your treatment may be shorter.
- If you have had clots before, you will need longer treatment.
- If you have certain other illnesses, such as cancer, you may need to take anticoagulants for as long as the illness is present.
The most common side effect of anticoagulants is bleeding. You should call your doctor right away if you are taking warfarin or heparin and have easy bruising or bleeding. Blood tests can check how well the medicine is working.
Treatment Tips When Taking Anti-coagulants
Much of the treatment for deep vein thrombosis takes place at home. It is important to:
• Take medicines correctly.
• Have blood tests done as directed by your doctor.
• Avoid activities that may cause serious injury or bleeding.
• Talk to your doctor before taking anticoagulants with any other medicines, especially over-the-counter medicines, at the same time. Over-the-counter aspirin, for example, can thin your blood. Taking two medicines that thin your blood (even if one is over-the-counter) may increase your risk for excessive bleeding.
• Ask your doctor about your diet. Foods that contain vitamin K can change how well warfarin works. Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables and some oils, such as canola and soybean oil. It is best if you eat a well-balanced, healthy diet that doesn't vary greatly.
• Discuss with your doctor what amount of alcohol is safe for you to drink if you are taking medicine.
Other Treatments for Clots
• Thrombolytics are medicines given to quickly dissolve a blood clot. They are used to treat large clots that are unlikely to break apart and be reabsorbed through the natural healing process. Because thrombolytics can cause sudden and profuse bleeding, they are used only in life-threatening situations.
• Thrombin inhibitors are medicines that interfere with the clotting process. They are used to treat some types of clots and for patients who can’t take heparin.
Other Treatments
• Vena cava filters are used when you can’t take medicines to thin your blood, or when you are taking blood thinners but continue to develop clots anyway. A filter which looks like a small umbrella is inserted inside a large vein called the vena cava. The filter catches clots that break off in a vein before they move through the bloodstream to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). The filter doesn’t prevent new clots from developing.
http://player.clipsyndicate.com
Military.com March 05, 2007
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