Home Remedies and Herbs for Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis, also known as deep venous thrombosis or DVT, is a cardiovascular condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein within the body.¹ This most often happens in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis can affect individuals at any age, but it is most common among patients 60 years of age or older.²

What Causes Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis happens when a blood clot forms. These blood clots can occur if you have a medical condition or take medications that increase your risk of developing blood clots.³ Risk for DVT also increases in sedentary individuals, such as if you’ve recently been in an accident and are on bed rest.^1,3  Additional deep vein thrombosis risk factors include:

• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Use of hormone drugs, such as birth control
• Family history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
• Malignancy

Deep Vein Thrombosis Symptoms

Deep vein thrombosis is typically accompanied by leg swelling and pain.⁵ In rare cases, swelling can occur in both legs. Other common deep vein thrombosis symptoms include warmth, tenderness, or skin redness over the affected vein.¹ In some instances, patients may not exhibit any deep vein thrombosis symptoms and don’t know something is wrong.⁴

It’s important to talk to your doctor if you suspect you have deep vein thrombosis since serious complications can occur. The vein may swell, causing what’s known as thrombophlebitis.¹ In serious cases, the blood clot can break loose and travel to other areas of the body, including the brain, heart, or lungs, leading to serious damage.² 

When a blood clot affects the lungs, it causes what’s known as a pulmonary embolism. This can impact a person’s ability to breathe properly, cause stress to the heart, and even result in death.⁵ Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid pulse, dizziness, or coughing up blood.⁴ Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these pulmonary embolism symptoms.

DVT may disappear on its own, but it can return and cause future medical problems.² Deep vein thrombosis treatment includes the use of various herbs that promote cardiovascular health as well as prescription medications that help prevent blood clots and relieve pain and inflammation.

References

1. https://medlineplus.gov/deepveinthrombosis.html
2. http://www.umm.edu/programs/heart-and-vascular/services/vascular-disease/conditions/deep-venous-thrombosis
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/home/ovc-20336848
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/dxc-20336850
5. http://www.umcvc.org/conditions-treatments/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt