Venous Thrombosis | Symptoms | MedStar Health

Expert care to prevent serious complications from a common blood clot

Venous thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in your veins or a stent inserted in the vein and prevents the normal flow of blood.

If a blood clot breaks free and travels through your body, it can cause a pulmonary embolism or stroke. Our Vein Program specialists  will help control your symptoms and reduce the risk of serious complications.

What are the symptoms of venous thrombosis?

Symptoms vary based on the location and size of the clot. You may experience:

  • Pain and swelling in the affected limb

  • Numbness

  • Reddish discoloration of the skin

  • Skin that feels warm to the touch

Tests

Diagnosing venous thrombosis is the first step to developing a treatment plan. A venous duplex ultrasound  is often used to examine blood flow through your veins. Your doctor also may recommend blood tests to see how your blood clots.

Angiogram (Angiography)

An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels.

Arterial duplex ultrasound for arms and legs

Arterial duplex ultrasound uses Doppler and traditional ultrasound to assess blood flow in the arteries of your arms and legs.

Cardiac catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions by guiding thin, flexible tubes called catheters through blood vessels to problem areas.

Carotid duplex ultrasound

Carotid duplex ultrasound uses Doppler and traditional ultrasound to assess blood flow in the arteries that supply blood to your brain.

Chest X-ray

Chest X-rays use a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart, and chest wall.

Computerized tomography (CT) scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity.

Fluoroscopy

A fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses a continuous X-ray beam passed through the body to create real-time, moving images of your internal structures.

Fractional flow reserve

Fractional flow reserve, also known as FFR, is a measurement of how well blood can flow through the coronary arteries. Narrowing or blockages in these arteries can lead to a heart attack without treatment.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Pulse volume recording

Pulse volume recording tests are used to evaluate blood flow through the arteries in your arms or legs.

Stress tests

Stress tests are used to assess how your heart works during physical activity. There are several types of stress tests, including treadmill or bike stress tests, nuclear stress tests, stress echocardiograms, and chemically induced stress tests.

Treatments

You may be prescribed medication to prevent your blood from clotting improperly. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or more advanced treatments to prevent future blood clots. In some cases, procedures such as thrombolysis or venous stenting may be required.

Rheolytic thrombectomy

Rheolytic thrombectomy uses a jet of saline delivered through a catheter to break up a blood clot.

Stenting

Stenting uses a mesh tube to open narrow blood vessels and improve blood flow.

Thrombolysis

Thrombolysis, also known as thrombolytic therapy, is a treatment to dissolve or break up dangerous blood clots that can cause heart attacks, strokes, and other conditions.

Venous disease treatments

Venous disease treatment may include medications, minimally invasive and surgical procedures to improve blood flow and circulation.

Venous stent thrombectomy

A catheter is inserted into the vein stent and a mechanical motorized device is used to cut and remove the clots and debris within the stent.

Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute

Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.