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Deep vein thrombosis is the medical term used to describe a blood clot that has formed in a deep vein. Deep vein thrombosis typically occurs in the lower leg or thigh, though it may also develop in the arm or pelvis. Deep vein thrombosis can usually be treated without serious injury or death resulting. When the blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, deep vein thrombosis can cause pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is a rare, but potentially fatal, complication of deep vein thrombosis.
The symptoms of deep vein thrombosis can include unexplained pain or tenderness affecting only one leg. In patients with deep vein thrombosis, this leg may also be painful, particularly when standing or walking. The sensation of warmth or redness in the affected leg may also be caused by deep vein thrombosis. Any person who experiences these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
There are several medical tests that can be used to diagnose deep vein thrombosis. A patient’s health care provider will typically begin by collecting information about their full medical history and conduct a full physical examination. Blood tests, ultrasound, venography, plethysmography, and other diagnostic tests can also be preformed to determine whether or not a patient has developed deep vein thrombosis.
When a patient is diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, the purpose of medical treatment is to prevent the clot from becoming larger, new clots from forming, and complications like pulmonary embolism and post thrombotic syndrome. Anticoagulant therapy, thrombolytics, compression garments, and other treatments are often beneficial treatments in patients with deep vein thrombosis and may be used for months to prevent further health complications.
There are several factors which may increase the risk that a person will develop deep vein thrombosis. Obese individuals and those over the age of 40 may be at an increased risk for deep vein thrombosis. Risk factors also include: previous blood clot, cancer and its treatment, prolonged immobility, pregnancy and childbirth, surgery, hormone replacement therapy, and birth control pills that contain the hormone estrogen.
According to the FDA, the low risk of deep vein thrombosis is an acceptable risk associated with oral contraceptives. Birth control pills, approved for use in the United States in the 1960s, carry the risk that three in 200,000 users will develop deep vein thrombosis. According to statistics, one in 200,000 oral contraceptive users will die from deep vein thrombosis complications.
According to recent reports, patients using the Ortho Evra birth control patch may be three times more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis with life threatening complications. The exact link between Ortho Evra and deep vein thrombosis has not yet been established. If you would like to learn more about deep vein thrombosis and the Ortho Evra birth control patch, please contact us to speak with a qualified and experienced attorney in your area.
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