Deep Vein Thrombosis

Heart Vascular and Leg Center

Vascular Specialists & Cardiologists located in Bakersfield, CA

Leg pain and swelling may develop from many causes, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), resulting in a life-threatening condition. Board-certified cardiologist Vinod Kumar MD, FACC, and the team at Heart Vascular and Leg Center in Bakersfield, California, use cutting-edge tools and techniques to diagnose and treat DVT and prevent additional health complications. To schedule an evaluation, contact the office by phone or online today.

661-443-5524

Deep Vein Thrombosis Q & A

What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

A DVT is a blood clot that forms in a vein located deep in your body. Though they most often occur in the veins in the legs, DVTs may develop in any vein throughout the body.

DVT is a potentially life-threatening condition. If the blood clot — a gelatinous clump of blood — dislodges from the vein, it may travel through your bloodstream to your lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.

What causes deep vein thrombosis?

You may develop DVT from any condition that affects the flow of blood through your veins. Common causes include:

An injury that damages your veins
Pressure on the veins from excess body weight
Use of birth control pills or hormone therapy
Smoking
Standing or sitting for long periods
Health conditions such as cancer or inflammatory bowel disease
Having a catheter placed in the vein

Your risk of developing DVT increases if it runs in your family, or you are over the age of 50.

What are deep vein thrombosis symptoms?

DVT may develop without causing noticeable signs and symptoms. However, if you’re experiencing the following, you may have DVT and should contact Heart Vascular and Leg Center immediately for an evaluation.

Symptoms of DVT include:

Leg pain
Leg swelling
Inflammation or tenderness at a specific spot in your leg
Muscle cramping

You should go to the nearest emergency room if you suspect you may have a pulmonary embolism, which causes shortness of breath, chest pain, and lightheadedness.

How is a deep vein thrombosis diagnosed?

Heart Vascular and Leg Center is a full-service cardiology and vascular care practice that uses advanced technology to diagnose a DVT. Your provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, and family history during your exam and evaluates your leg.

To confirm or rule out a DVT, your provider may perform various tests, such as a vascular ultrasound, blood test, CT scan, or MRI.

How is a deep vein thrombosis treated?

The goal of your DVT treatment plan is to stop the blood clot from getting bigger and breaking free. Your treatment may include:

Blood thinners
Clot busters (medications that break up the blood clot)
Compression stockings to improve blood flow
Filters that prevent blood clots from reaching your lungs

Heart Vascular and Leg Center also performs thrombectomies, surgical procedures that remove the blood clot from your vein.

For expert cardiology and vascular care from a practice that offers the most advanced tools and treatments in the country, contact Heart Vascular and Leg Center by phone or schedule an appointment online today.