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Vivek Mahto: Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis – Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Feb 2, 2026, 17:14

Vivek Mahto: Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis – Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Vivek Mahto, OT Nurse at People’s Hospital and University, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein, most commonly occurring in the legs (calf or thigh).

Causes (Risk Factors);

  • Prolonged immobility (bed rest, long travel)
  • Surgery or trauma (especially orthopedic surgery)
  • Pregnancy and postpartum period
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Oral contraceptives / hormone therapy
  • Cancer
  • Previous history of DVT

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Swelling of the affected leg
  • Pain or tenderness (often in calf)
  • Warmth over the area
  • Redness or discoloration
  • A heavy feeling in the leg

Note: DVT can sometimes be asymptomatic.

Complication: Pulmonary Embolism (PE):

If the clot breaks and travels to the lungs, it can be life-threatening. Symptoms of PE include:

  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Cough (may have blood)
  • Rapid heart rate

Diagnosis:

  • D-dimer blood test
  • Doppler ultrasound (most common)
  • Venography (rare)
  • CT / MRI (in special cases)

Treatment:

  • Anticoagulants (Heparin, Warfarin, DOACs)
  • Thrombolytic therapy (for severe cases)
  • Compression stockings
  • Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter (if anticoagulants are contraindicated)

Prevention:

  • Early ambulation after surgery
  • Leg exercises
  • Compression stockings
  • Adequate hydration
  • Prophylactic anticoagulants for high-risk patients

Nursing Care (Important):

  • Do NOT massage the affected limb
  • Monitor for signs of PE
  • Administer anticoagulants as prescribed
  • Encourage mobility (as advised)
  • Educate patients about medication compliance.”

DVT

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anticoagulants D dimer deep vein thrombosis Doppler Ultrasound DVT Health Hematology Hemostasis Today inferior vena cava Medicine Thrombolytic Therapy Venography Vivek Mahto
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