A person is said to be affected by deep vein thrombosis (DVT) when a blood clot forms in the veins in their legs, thighs, pelvis, or arms. This clot disrupts the job of the veins, which is to circulate the blood throughout the body. The clot can cause severe pain, swelling, irritation and the affected part is warm to the touch. Sometimes DVT does not give out any symptoms. There are many situations and conditions which make people at a higher risk for DVT.

Your lifestyle could be increasing the risk of DVT if:

• You are over the age of 40.
• You work in the same position either sitting or standing for a long time disrupting normal blood flow.
• You are traveling sitting in the same position for a long time – in a flight or a long drive.
• You spend a long time resting post illnesses or those who spend hours watching TV lying down without moving are also at risk.
• You have a BMI above 30.
• You smoke – Smoking is a gateway and an invitation to many disorders. Smoking damages the blood vessels and makes the blood more viscous, making it prone to clotting.

The risk of DVT can be increased by health-related issues, that is if:

• You are an expectant mother – pregnancy increases the chance of clotting by at least five times more than others as the level of the blood clotting proteins in the blood increases.
• If you are using birth control pills.
• If you have undergone hormone replacement therapy – estrogen leads to the blood clot.
• If you are already affected by health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, Chron’s Disease, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, clotting disorders, ulcerative colitis, etc.
• If you have had a previous history of DVT, you are more likely to have another incidence.
• You are prone to blood-related disorders that are hereditary and cause the blood to be either too thick or easy to clot.
• You have undergone a surgery recently.
• You have suffered an injury to the hands or legs.

Early warning symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
With so many people falling under risk of DVT, one should be aware of the complications that can arise out of DVT.

Venous thromboembolism
If a clot formed by DVT leaves the vein and travels to the lungs, there is a high risk that the blood from the lungs to the other parts of the body can be cut off. This is an urgent situation, can be life-threatening, and will require immediate medical attention.

Chronic venous insufficiency
This happens if the DVT forms in a vein in the leg, leaving the vein damaged. The blood in the vein stays there and does not reach the heart. This is a long-term condition. Pain and swelling are common early warning symptoms of deep vein thrombosis.

Post-thrombotic syndrome
Once DVT happens and a person is not diagnosed and treated early, ulcers and sores can appear in the leg. The affected person might have trouble walking and their quality of life will be affected because of this restricted mobility. Symptoms are pain, swelling, ulcers, and sores in the leg.