“But about 30–40% of cases go unnoticed, since they don't have typical symptoms.” In fact, some people don't realize they have a deep vein clot until it causes a more serious condition. Deep vein clots—especially those in the thigh—can break off and travel through the bloodstream.
Although many people with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) recover completely, up to 40 percent continue to experience symptoms in their arms or legs for years after their initial diagnosis.
How Long Can You Have DVT Without Knowing? You can have DVT (deep vein thrombosis) without knowing for several days or weeks. However, some people may experience swelling, pain, or warmth in the affected area. It is essential to seek medical attention if you suspect DVT to prevent potential complications.
Among people who have had a DVT, one third to one half will have long-term complications (post-thrombotic syndrome) such as swelling, pain, discoloration, and scaling in the affected limb. One-third (about 33%) of people with DVT/PE will have a recurrence within 10 years.
As many as half of those who get a DVT in their legs develop symptoms of intermittent leg pain and swelling that may last months to years.
While some clots may lay dormant and undiagnosed for years, even decades, there are still ways to reduce your risk of developing clots. They include maintaining a healthy lifestyle – that includes avoiding fatty and processed foods, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep.
Life goes on after you've been diagnosed with a blood clot. While it may take time to recover, there's no reason why you can't continue to live the life you love.
Many patients worry that being physically active might cause a DVT to break off and become a PE. The risk of clot breaking off and forming a PE is mostly present in the first few days, up to ≈4 weeks, while the clot is still fresh, fragile, and not scarred.
If a DVT is not treated, it can move or break off and travel to the lungs. A blood clot in the lung is called pulmonary embolism or PE, and can cause death and requires immediate medical attention. Blood clots do not discriminate by age, gender, ethnicity or race. Blood clots can affect anyone.
We can't see or feel these veins, meaning a clot could be “silent” with no symptoms, or it could cause dull, heavy pressure, pain, and swelling. Clots in superficial veins, outside of the muscle tissue, can cause a lump or cord tender to the touch.
You can get deep-vein clots at any age, but it usually affects people who are older than 40. After 40, the risk for DVT and PE may double with each passing decade.
Chronic DVT
A clot that is over one to two months old is called "chronic." The clot becomes harder and scars the vein. As a result of this process, the vein becomes much smaller and does not allow blood to flow through effectively.
Conclusions: Early walking exercise is safe in patients with acute DVT and may help to reduce acute symptoms. Exercise training does not increase leg symptoms acutely in patients with a previous DVT and may help to prevent or improve the postthrombotic syndrome.
At least 1 in 12 middle-aged adults will develop venous thromboembolism in their remaining lifetime.
Deep vein thrombosis usually occurs in the lower leg. It often goes unnoticed and dissolves on its own. But it may cause symptoms like pain and swelling. If someone is diagnosed with DVT, they will need treatment to avoid serious complications such as pulmonary embolism.
“Pulmonary embolism occurs in 30-40 percent of patients with DVT and sudden cardiac death occurs in 25 percent of those cases,” said Mohi Alkadri, MD, cardiologist at Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center. Fortunately, DVT can be treated when caught early.
The Importance of Exercise if You Have DVT
Aerobic activity -- things like walking, hiking, swimming, dancing, and jogging -- can also help your lungs work better after a pulmonary embolism. Studies show that exercise also can improve symptoms of DVT, including swelling, discomfort, and redness.
Is deep vein thrombosis pain constant? Yes—The cramping sensations and pain that occur with DVT will persist and even worsen with time.
While a pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening, most patients survive DVT and need to learn how to live with the risk of recurrence. Your healthcare provider will probably prescribe anticoagulants, or blood thinners, which may be needed for as little as three months but can be lifelong treatment.
If you think you have a blood clot, call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away! Blood clots can be dangerous. Blood clots that form in the veins in your legs, arms, and groin can break loose and move to other parts of your body, including your lungs.
Medical conditions that have symptoms similar to DVT blood clots include: Peripheral artery disease. Varicose veins and spider veins. Cellulitis.
DVT sometimes doesn't cause any symptoms. However, symptoms can include: pain, swelling and tenderness in one of your legs (usually your calf) a heavy ache in the affected area.
Varicose Veins
When they don't work right, blood pools inside your veins. They swell and become large and rope-like. That's another difference from DVT -- the surface-level clots that come with varicose veins are uncommon and don't usually break free and travel to your lungs.