Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

INTRO (0:00–0:45)

Hello everyone,
I’m Dr. PK.

Today, we are discussing a serious but often silent condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT.

Many people think blood clots happen only after surgery or in older adults—but DVT can affect anyone, even young and healthy individuals.

Understanding DVT can save lives, because one untreated clot can suddenly travel to the lungs.

WHAT IS DVT? (0:45–2:00)

Deep Vein Thrombosis means a blood clot forming in a deep vein, usually in the leg, thigh, or pelvis.

These deep veins carry blood back to the heart.
When a clot forms:

Blood flow slows

Pressure builds up

And the clot can break loose

If it travels to the lungs, it causes Pulmonary Embolism, which can be fatal.

WHY DVT IS DANGEROUS (2:00–2:45)

A leg clot may look harmless—but once it moves to the lungs, it can block oxygen flow.

This can cause:

Sudden breathlessness

Chest pain

Collapse

Sudden death

This is why DVT is a medical emergency.

WHAT CAUSES DVT – VIRCHOW’S TRIAD (2:45–5:30)

Doctors explain DVT risk using three factors:

1️⃣ Slow Blood Flow

Long flights or road trips

Prolonged bed rest

Hospital stays

Sitting for long hours

2️⃣ Injury to the Vein

Surgery (hip/knee surgery highest risk)

Trauma or fractures

IV lines or catheters

Inflammation

3️⃣ Blood That Clots Easily

Cancer

Pregnancy and postpartum

Birth control pills

Hormone therapy

Smoking

Obesity

Genetic clotting disorders

Most patients have more than one risk factor.

WHO IS AT HIGH RISK? (5:30–6:45)

Age more than 60

Recent surgery or hospitalization

Cancer

Pregnancy

Smoking

Obesity

Prior history of clots

Family history of DVT

But remember:
DVT can occur in young people too, especially after dehydration or long travel.

SYMPTOMS OF DVT (6:45–7:45)

One-sided leg swelling

Pain or tightness in calf/thigh

Warmth

Red or darkened skin

Pain while walking

⚠️ Some patients have no symptoms at all.

SIGNS OF PULMONARY EMBOLISM (7:45–8:30)

Seek emergency help if there is:

Sudden shortness of breath

Sharp chest pain

Fast heartbeat

Coughing blood

Fainting

TREATMENT OF DVT (8:30–9:30)
Blood Thinners (Main Treatment)

They do not dissolve clots, but prevent growth.

Common options:

Apixaban (Eliquis)

Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)

Warfarin

Heparin

Treatment duration: 3–6 months or longer

Severe Cases

Clot-dissolving drugs

Catheter clot removal

IVC filters (selected cases)

PREVENTION (9:30–10:00)

Move every 1–2 hours during travel

Stay hydrated

Walk early after surgery

Use compression stockings if advised

Quit smoking

Maintain healthy weight

OUTRO

DVT is common, dangerous—but preventable and treatable.

Never ignore leg swelling or pain.

This is Dr. PK.
Stay informed. Stay healthy.