The Dangers of DVT: Texas Vascular Institute: Varicose Vein Specialists

By: Dr. Dev Batra | 01.29.23

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a circulatory system problem that affects over 900,000 people each year. It also can be life-threatening — as many as 30% of people die within the first month after diagnosis. Since it doesn’t always cause symptoms, many people don’t know they have it until they reach a medical crisis.

At Texas Vascular Institute, interventional radiologist Dr. Dev Batra has spent more than a decade diagnosing and treating all manner of vein problems, including DVT. He’s committed to helping his patients in the Dallas and Hurst, Texas, area avoid the potential complications from this condition using the latest technologies available. Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of DVT.

Starting with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)

Vein disease is a progressive problem that starts in the venous portion of your circulatory system. While your arteries convey oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body, your veins return deoxygenated blood to the heart.

Unfortunately, they have to work against the pull of gravity. One way they accomplish the task is by muscle contractions in the calf and thigh, which push the blood upward. Another way is by using a series of one-way valves that close once the blood passes through, preventing backflow.

Valves, though, can be damaged, either by injury or by the force of high blood pressure. If that happens, they’re unable to close completely, causing sluggish blood to flow and pool around the valves. That state is known as chronic venous insufficiency. The most readily apparent effect of CVI is engorged, colored swellings on the calves and thighs — varicose veins.

From CVI to DVT

Varicose veins usually affect the superficial veins, which is why they stand out on the legs. If blood flow remains sluggish and begins to affect veins deep in the leg tissue, it can cause a blood clot—deep vein thrombosis. The clots can also form if your veins are narrowed or blocked due to plaque; if you spend most of your time sitting; or if you’re on bed rest following surgery.

The danger of clots is they can break free from the vein wall and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs. If they block a pulmonary artery, it’s called a pulmonary embolism (PE) — a life-threatening condition.

Symptoms of DVT

According to the CDC, DVT only causes symptoms in about half of people who have it. The symptoms include:

Swelling in the leg, ankle, or foot with the clot
Cramping in the calf muscles
Severe pain in the foot and ankle
Warm skin over the affected area
Pale blue or red skin over the affected area

Signs the clot has broken free and is causing a PE include:

Abrupt shortness of breath
Rapid breathing
Chest pain that’s worse with breathing or coughing
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Rapid pulse
Coughing up blood

If you recognize the signs of a PE, call 911 or go to your local emergency room!

Treating DVT

When you come in for an evaluation, Dr. Batra takes a detailed medical history and performs a thorough physical exam before creating a treatment plan. It may include one or more of the following:

Blood-thinning medications
Thrombolytic medications: IV drugs that actively break up clots
Compression stockings: promote blood flow and prevent clot formation
Exercise: movement boosts your circulation

If you have large clots or they’re causing damage to your tissues, Dr. Batra may recommend a surgical procedure such as a thrombectomy. Here, he makes an incision in the affected vein, locates the clot and removes it, then repairs the damaged vessel and tissue.

If you have varicose veins and want to reduce your risk of developing DVT, Dr. Batra may recommend a minimally invasive procedure like sclerotherapy. Here, he injects a saline solution into the affected vein. The solution irritates the lining, causing it to swell and the walls to collapse. Your body reroutes blood flow to nearby healthy veins, and the diseased vein is flushed out.

If you’re experiencing varicose veins or some of the signs of DVT, it’s time to come to Texas Vascular Institute for an evaluation and proper treatment. Give us a call at either of our locations or book your appointment online today.

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Amazing Practice

I'm very particular with my Healthcare and tend to be cautious with referrals to specialists. This office is amazing from the first point of contact. Their staff are friendly, professional and highly knowledgeable. Then the Dr is just as amazing as his staff, absolutely brilliant. Office manager Jessica has this office running like a well oiled machine and does so with a smile, an air of confidence, kindness and professionalism. Love this practice!!

- Richard G.

Beyond Thankful

Dr Batra and his staff are amazing! We are so grateful to have found him. Everyone is so kind and so caring and Dr Batra explains everything so well and does procedures with excellence. Beyond thankful to be under their care!!!

- Bitsy P.

Gold Standard

This is a gold standard for how a medical practice should be run. I was promptly seen at my scheduled time, my ultrasound was thorough and I received plenty of attention and care from the staff and Dr.Batra.

- Weronika L.