Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, most often in the leg. It can cause swelling, pain, warmth, or redness, and it needs prompt attention because a clot can break loose and travel to the lungs. VidaVascular offers Same-Day Rule-Out DVT evaluations with an order from a physician.
Not every swollen or sore leg is a blood clot, but a DVT should never be ignored. Knowing the warning signs and getting a timely ultrasound can give you a clear answer and help you get the right care quickly. This page explains what DVT is, who is at risk, and how it is diagnosed and treated.
What is deep vein thrombosis?
DVT happens when blood thickens and clumps together in one of the deep veins, usually in the calf or thigh, and sometimes in the pelvis or arm. A DVT and a pulmonary embolism (PE), a clot that has traveled to the lungs, are both forms of venous thromboembolism (VTE) (1).
A DVT can also damage the valves in the vein. Some people later develop long-term leg swelling, aching, and skin changes, called post-thrombotic syndrome.
What are the symptoms of DVT?
Some DVTs cause no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they usually affect one leg:
- Swelling in one leg, ankle, or foot
- Pain, cramping, or tenderness in the calf or thigh
- Warmth over the affected area
- Red or discolored skin
- Veins near the surface that look larger than usual
Signs of a pulmonary embolism: call 911
A clot that travels to the lungs is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you have:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain that may get worse when you breathe in or cough
- A rapid heartbeat
- Coughing up blood
- Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or fainting
What causes DVT, and who is at risk?
Clots are more likely to form when blood flow slows, the vein wall is injured, or the blood clots more easily than normal (1). Risk factors include:
- Recent surgery, especially orthopedic surgery, or hospitalization
- Long periods of not moving, such as bed rest or long trips
- Cancer and some cancer treatments
- Pregnancy and the weeks after giving birth
- Estrogen-containing birth control or hormone therapy
- A previous blood clot, or a family history of clots
- Smoking and obesity
- Older age
How is DVT diagnosed?
Your provider will ask about your symptoms and risk factors and examine your leg. Testing may include (2):
- A clinical risk score, such as the Wells score, to estimate how likely a clot is
- D-dimer blood test, which can help rule out a clot when the risk is low
- Compression duplex ultrasound, the main imaging test, which shows whether a vein is blocked by a clot
VidaVascular offers Same-Day Rule-Out DVT evaluations. We can rule out DVTs the same day, provided you have an order from a physician.
How is DVT treated?
If a DVT is found, treatment aims to stop the clot from growing, lower the chance of it traveling to the lungs, and reduce the risk of future clots (1). Treatment often includes:
- Anticoagulant (blood thinner) medicines, which are the main treatment for most people
- Follow-up care to decide how long treatment should continue
- Procedures to remove or break up the clot in selected cases, such as large clots causing severe symptoms
If your ultrasound shows a clot, our team will discuss the results and next steps with you and coordinate with the physician who ordered your evaluation.
Why see VidaVascular for a possible DVT?
Waiting days to find out whether you have a blood clot is stressful, and a possible DVT is not something to put off. VidaVascular offers same-day DVT rule-out evaluations with an order from a physician, guided by our board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist and clinical team. Our goal is to give you a clear answer and make sure you know what happens next.
Care is available at our offices in Oxon Hill, MD, Springfield, VA, and White Plains, MD.
Your VidaVascular Care Team
Your evaluation and treatment are guided by our board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist and clinical team.
Where to Get a DVT Evaluation
Choose the office that is most convenient for you. All locations share one phone number for scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions About DVT
Do I need a physician order for a same-day DVT rule-out?
Yes. We can rule out DVTs the same day, provided you have an order from a physician. Clinicians can send referrals through our clinician referral form. Call (866) 800-2346 if you have questions about getting an order.
Can a DVT go away on its own?
Some small clots dissolve on their own, but a DVT should never be left untreated without medical advice because a clot can grow or travel to the lungs. If you have symptoms, get evaluated promptly so your provider can decide whether treatment is needed.
Does insurance cover my visit?
VidaVascular accepts most major insurance providers. Coverage varies by plan and procedure, so please call us to confirm whether your specific plan is covered. Insurance information.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call (866) 800-2346 or request an appointment online. Our offices are open Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and Friday, 8 AM to 3 PM.
References
- Ortel, T. L., Neumann, I., Ageno, W., et al. (2020). American Society of Hematology 2020 guidelines for management of venous thromboembolism: Treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Blood Advances, 4(19), 4693–4738.
- Lim, W., Le Gal, G., Bates, S. M., et al. (2018). American Society of Hematology 2018 guidelines for management of venous thromboembolism: Diagnosis of venous thromboembolism. Blood Advances, 2(22), 3226–3256.
Worried About a Blood Clot in Your Leg?
Schedule an evaluation with our team. We’ll explain your options clearly and help you decide what fits your goals.