Effective Treatment Options for DVT
The human body has a natural mechanism to control excessive blood-loss–coagulation. Blood clots usually disintegrate, dissolve, and get integrated into the blood-stream by themselves. However, in certain cases, clots may form in veins in the legs, thighs, pelvis and this condition is called DVT (deep vein thrombosis).
Why is DVT hazardous?
In nearly 33% of patients, DVT may progress into major, life-threatening health complications such as pulmonary embolism, heart failure, post-thrombotic syndrome, etc., where the clots travel to major organs such as the lungs/heart or lead to edema, non-healing ulcers.
Effective treatment options
There are several effective treatment options for DVT. The important thing is to get early treatment and follow the treatment plan consistently.
- Take medications regularly
Don’t miss taking the medications prescribed by the physician. These may include blood thinners in pill or injection form. One may have to take shots at home, along with regular testing to ensure that the dosage is right. It is vital to ensure that the doctor is informed about important things like one’s pregnancy. If one is pregnant, some of these medications can cause birth defects and fetal distress. Other medications such as thrombolytics or clot-busters dissolve the clot but may cause bleeding. - Interventionist treatments
In serious cases, when medications are not effective enough, inferior vena cava filter is an option. Here, a filter is embedded in one of the veins (inferior vena cava) to trap the clot before it reaches the lungs. In very complicated and severe cases, surgery (thrombectomy) may be required to remove the clot. - Home treatment
One can manage the pain and other symptoms at home in the early stages of DVT by wearing compression stockings. These exert optimum pressure, forcing the blood to keep moving and preventing pooling and clotting in the legs as they are one of the most common sites for developing DVT. While resting or sitting, it is important to make sure that one keeps their legs elevated. - Lifestyle changes
It’s important to treat conditions such as DVT holistically. Quit smoking and it can give immediate benefits. Nicotine causes the blood to become more sticky and prone to clotting. Regular exercise such as walking/swimming will help one lose weight and lower the burden on the legs. It is advisable to keep oneself well-hydrated and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. In addition to that, avoid birth-control pills, and wear loose clothes while traveling. If one is traveling long-distance by plane/road, it is important that they make sure that they move around at regular intervals and do light exercises to keep the blood circulation going. - Dietary changes
If one has other conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, they should make changes in their diet to address these issues. Some medications react with certain foods that are high in vitamin K. Adding certain spices and herbs to the diet can help to prevent clotting. Ginger helps to break down fibrin and promote smooth blood flow. Foods rich in vitamin E such as walnuts, eggs, mustard greens, almonds, sunflower seeds, etc., prevent clotting. Cayenne pepper thins the blood, reduces blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Garlic is an effective blood-purifier and thinner.