Recognizing the signs of Dvt Blood Cloths
admin Vascular Diseases

Recognizing the Signs of DVT Blood Cloths

Blood clots are a significant health issue, and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a common and dangerous type. This article delves into the vein problems causing blood clots, focusing on DVT, its potential risks, and preventive measures.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, though they can also occur in other areas. DVT is particularly concerning because it can lead to severe complications, including death.

Causes and Risk Factors of DVT

DVT results from a combination of factors that affect blood flow, vein health, and blood clotting:

Venous Stasis: Extended periods of inactivity, such as bed rest or long flights, can slow blood flow in the legs, increasing the risk of clotting.

Vein Damage: Injury or surgery can damage the inner lining of veins, contributing to clot formation.

Hypercoagulability: Certain medical conditions and lifestyle choices can make blood more prone to clotting.

Additional risk factors include obesity, Pregnancy, Cancer and its treatments. Smoking, hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy are other risk factors.  

Recognizing DVT symptoms is crucial for timely treatment.

Identifying when a blood clot develops in your body, particularly in cases of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), involves being aware of specific symptoms. However, it’s important to note that in some cases, blood clots can occur without any obvious symptoms. Here are key signs and symptoms to watch out for:

Swelling: This usually occurs in one limb and is a common sign of DVT. The swelling can be sudden and may be accompanied by pain or tenderness.

Pain or Tenderness: The pain often starts in your calf and can feel like cramping or soreness. It might become more noticeable when you stand or walk.

Red or Discolored Skin: The skin around the painful area may become red or discolored.

Warmth: The area around the clot may feel warm to the touch.

Leg Weakness: In some cases, there might be a feeling of weakness in the leg where the clot is located.

Complications of DVT

  • Pulmonary Embolism (PE): A life-threatening condition where a part of the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs. Shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and chest pain that becomes intense while you breathe, or cough are symptoms of PE and will need immediate attention.
  • Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS): Chronic leg pain, swelling, and skin changes after a DVT.
  • Venous Ulcers: Long-standing DVT can lead to painful ulcers on the affected limb.

Prevention and Management of DVT

Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying hydrated can significantly reduce the risk.

Avoid Prolonged Immobility: During long travels, take breaks to walk and stretch your legs.

Compression Stockings: These can be effective in preventing DVT, especially after surgery.

Medications: Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, are often prescribed to prevent or treat DVT.

Once a clot has formed or if you have risk factors for DVT, it is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan of treatment.  

Post thrombotic syndrome
admin Vascular Diseases

Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: Risks & Prevention

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a chronic condition that can develop after a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, typically in the leg. While DVTs themselves can be serious, PTS can cast a long shadow, causing persistent symptoms and potentially life-threatening complications. Understanding these dangers is crucial for early intervention and preventing the worst.

The Lingering Shadow: From DVT to PTS

Imagine a dam blocking a flowing river. The water backs up, creating a stagnant pool. Similarly, a DVT acts like a dam in a vein, obstructing blood flow and leading to fluid buildup. This stagnant fluid, in turn, can damage the vein walls and surrounding tissues, paving the way for PTS.

While not everyone who experiences a DVT develops PTS, the risk is significant, affecting up to 50% of individuals within two years. The severity of PTS can vary, with some experiencing mild symptoms like swelling, pain, and fatigue, while others face debilitating complications that can impact their daily lives.

The Hidden Dangers: Unveiling the Potential Consequences of PTS

Beyond the immediate discomfort, PTS can silently harbor potential dangers. Let’s understand some of the most serious:

  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): This condition develops when the valves in the affected vein become damaged, leading to persistent swelling, skin discoloration, and even leg ulcers.
  • Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Although rare, a DVT can dislodge and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially fatal PE.
  • Lipedema: This chronic fat disorder can develop in individuals with PTS, causing disproportionate fat accumulation in the legs and arms.
  • Depression and Anxiety: The physical limitations and social stigma associated with PTS can lead to significant mental health challenges.

The Grim Reality: How PTS Can Lead to Death

While PTS itself is not directly fatal, its complications can pose a significant threat to life. For instance, a PE can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Additionally, severe CVI can lead to cellulitis, a serious bacterial infection that requires hospitalization and antibiotics.

Furthermore, the psychological distress associated with PTS can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as smoking or sedentary lifestyles, further increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Taking Control: Early Intervention and Proactive Management

The good news is that PTS is a manageable condition. Early diagnosis and proactive management can significantly improve symptoms and prevent complications. Here are some key steps:

Seek medical attention: If you have experienced a DVT or suspect PTS, consult a healthcare professional immediately.

Compression therapy: Wearing compression stockings can help reduce swelling and improve circulation.

Exercise: Regular physical activity can promote lymphatic drainage and improve overall health.

Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and avoiding smoking can further reduce the risk of complications.

While PTS can be a daunting diagnosis, it’s important to remember that it is not a death sentence. With proper management and a positive attitude, individuals living with PTS can lead fulfilling lives.

The importance of vascular health
admin Vascular Diseases

The Importance of Vascular Health

What is the vascular system?

The vascular system refers to the network of vessels that carry blood and oxygen to all different body parts. There are three different types of blood vessels namely – arteries, veins, and capillaries.

To avoid a vascular disease, it is essential to protect this network and keep it running smoothly. Any hindrance in the blood flow can damage vital body organs such as the heart, arms, legs, lungs, and brain.

What is the impact of vascular disease?

Due to numerous reasons, plaque may develop in the arteries. This causes the arteries to become narrow and thus restricts the supply of blood and oxygen to various body parts. This is the primary cause of a vascular disease.

Limited blood supply causes blood vessels to become hard. This condition can further lead to serious health conditions such as heart attack, amputation, and stroke.

Vascular diseases can take many forms. The most common venous disorders are Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and Peripheral Artery Disease(PAD). In CAD, the plague is known to form in the blood vessels that are responsible for supplying blood to the heart. In PAD, the plague formation is reported in the arteries that carry blood to the limbs.  

Even though cardiovascular diseases such as PAD and CAD are the leading cause of death across the World, vascular health is still misunderstood, ignored, and often left undiagnosed and untreated.

Thus, it is essential to understand the early signs and risk factors of vascular diseases. This will not only help in timely diagnosis and efficient treatment but also lead to early recovery of the patient while also preventing any other major health complications.

Another important thing to understand is that even with regular preventive measures, plague can still develop in the blood vessels and it is thus vital for a patient to have his vascular health consistently addressed and managed.

How to reduce the risk of a vascular disease?

Vascular diseases are known to be either genetic or caused due to a poor lifestyle. Although there is nothing that we can do to reduce the likelihood of vascular disease in a patient who has a family history of venous disorders, there are numerous small things that we can do to correct our lifestyle and decrease the overall chance of a vascular disease.

As a primary task, you should focus on eating nutritious food and performing some form of physical activity every day. Eating balanced meals and forming a daily habit of exercise is known to promote healthy blood circulation in the body. This helps prevent vascular disorders in people of all age groups.

On the other hand, smoking and excessive intake of alcohol is known to have adverse effects on our vascular health. You must inculcate good habits, avoid any form of stress, and get enough sleep in order to take care of your vascular system and keep it working well.

How is a vascular disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis of vascular disease is tricky in asymptomatic patients (those who do not have any signs of pain or discomfort). In case of any pain or swelling in the limbs, the doctor will begin the diagnosis with a physical examination of the affected area.

The doctor will also ask you questions about the medical history of your family to check for the genetic cause of vascular disease. He/she is also likely to request you to get done blood work and undergo an ultrasound scan where he/she can check for the presence of damaged blood vessels.

How is a vascular disease treated?

Treatment for a venous disease depends upon the current health condition of the patient. Doctors usually advise lifestyle changes with oral medications for most patients. Some patients are also advised to use compression garments. However, in some extreme cases, vascular surgery may become absolutely necessary.

These days, non-surgical removal of damaged blood vessels is also possible through a painless and minimally invasive procedure. In this process, the body automatically re-routes the blood to neighbouring healthier vessels after the damaged ones are removed and re-absorbed by the body.

This procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist under the influence of local anaesthesia. It is a brief procedure and the patient can go back home on the same day. It does not require any cuts or stitches and does not leave any scar marks. Patients can go back home on the same day.

If you are contemplating undergoing a medical check-up to rule out the possibility of vascular disease, visit none other than the best interventional radiologist and an experienced vascular surgeon Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre. He has over two decades of medical experience and has treated 40,000+ patients.

Schedule your appointment for world-class treatment at the most affordable prices at Avis Vascular Centre. We have special arrangements for non-local patients and offer quick friendly support for Mediclaim settlements. Book your consultation today!

Serena williams and her experience with pulmonary embolism
admin Vascular Diseases

Serena Williams and her experience with Pulmonary Embolism

What complications arouse during Child Birth?

Tennis sensation Serena Williams has revealed in her interview with Vogue that she experienced the major health complication called “pulmonary embolism” shortly after giving birth to her baby in September 2017.

Serena Williams has had a medical history of blood clots in the deep veins (DVT i.e. Deep Vein Thrombosis) and was prescribed blood thinners (anti-coagulants) to prevent abnormal blood clotting.

Due to an emergency C-Section surgery recommendation for delivery, Serena was put off her daily dosage of blood thinners so as to avoid uncontrolled blood loss. This is the general medical advice before any surgical treatment and not just caesarean delivery.

Although the childbirth procedure went well, she experienced difficulties in breathing while recovering from the C-Section surgery. It was due to her awareness about the symptoms and her past experience with the disorder, she immediately realized that it was an incidence of pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism is a health scare caused due to the presence of blood clots in the lungs. This condition arises when the blood clots in the deep veins from the other parts of the body break free and travel to the lungs thus limiting the oxygen supply to the heart and eventually causing death.

Serena asked the doctors to conduct a CT scan of her lungs to check for blood clots. Doctors conducted an ultrasound scan of her legs followed by a CT scan and confirmed the presence of numerous small potentially life-threatening blood clots in her lungs.

Fortunately, the doctors were able to treat Serena’s embolism on time by putting her on life-saving blood-thinner drugs but these medications had side-effects on the faster healing of her C-Section wounds. Also, pulmonary embolism led to extreme coughing spells that forced her C-Section wounds to open up.

While trying to fix that through a surgical procedure, the doctors noticed a mass of clotted blood (hematoma) in her abdomen. Doctors had to then insert a filter in her major vein to prevent more blood clots from travelling to the lungs and heart.

Why do Pregnant women get Blood Clots?

It comes as a surprise to many that pulmonary embolism is the third most common form of cardiovascular disorder after heart attack and stroke. It is, however, known that women are at a greater risk of blood clots during pregnancy and shortly after childbirth. This risk is even higher for women like Serena Williams who have a medical history of blood clots.

Studies have cited that a pregnant woman is at least 4 to 5 times more probable of having a blood clot compared to when she is not pregnant. Every 1 or 2 out of 1000 pregnant women experience blood clots. Also, women who deliver via C-Section are roughly four times more likely to develop blood clots as compared to their counterparts who give birth through the vagina.

Let us understand what increases the likelihood of blood clots in women during pregnancy and after delivery:

  1. Hormonal changes during pregnancy promote the clotting of blood.
  2. As the baby grows in size, the veins of the uterus and pelvic region get compressed. This leads to poor blood flow and thus increases the chances of blood clot formation.
  3. The increased size of the uterus causes additional pressure on the veins in the pelvic region which slows down the blood flow.
  4. In late pregnancy, women are not able to move around for long periods and have poor physical activity levels which downgrade the blood flow in the legs and is the leading cause of blood clot formation in deep veins.

All the above-listed factors contribute to the development of blood clots in pregnant women and women remain to be at high risk for a few weeks even after childbirth as it takes time for the uterus to reduce in size and for the levels of the hormones to come back to usual. All pregnant women must keep a check for any early signs and symptoms of blood clots such as pain or swelling in the legs.

Like any other surgical procedure, a caesarean procedure also increases the probability of blood clots. Women who have had blood clots in the past must continue their regime of blood-thinners and anti-coagulants to avoid clotting during pregnancy. It is also suggested to use inflatable compression devices on a woman’s legs during the caesarean procedure.

If you are pregnant and have a medical history of blood clots, it is best to seek medical advice from a vascular expert along with your routine check-ups with an OB-Gynae healthcare practitioner. Dr. Rajah V Koppala is a highly qualified and thoroughly trained vascular surgeon and advanced laparoscopic surgeon. He is the best vascular expert for medical assistance for blood clots during pregnancy and after delivery.

With the in-house medical set-up of Doppler ultrasound scan and advanced laser treatment equipment along with a cashless Mediclaim facility for all treatment procedures, Avis Vascular Centre tops the list of the best medical institutes for the cure of varicose veins, blood clots in deep veins, and pulmonary embolism. Schedule your appointment with the distinguished vascular expert Dr. Rajah V Koppala today!

Venous Insufficiency_superficial venous reflux
admin Vascular Diseases

Venous Insufficiency / Superficial Venous Reflux

Venous insufficiency, also known as venous reflux is a prevalent medical complication across the World, especially in India. This medical disorder is characterized by restricted blood circulation in the superficial veins (not so common in the deep veins) and is thus also referred to as superficial venous reflux.

The valves of certain veins in the lower extremities (legs and feet) become weak due to old age and other health factors. The malfunctioning valves do not function as desired and fail to prevent blood from flowing backward while travelling upward to the heart through the veins of the lower body.

Symptoms and Causes

Over time, poor venous circulation results in excessive pooling of blood in the legs and feet. This further leads to swollen and enlarged veins that appear as red, blue or purple lines on the skin surface. The damaged veins not only look ugly but also cause uncomfortable symptoms such as pain, itching, a feeling of heaviness, extreme pressure, skin discoloration, rashes, frequent throbbing, eczema, and even venous ulcers.

Most people become aware of their venous insufficiency condition due to the appearance of spider veins or varicose veins on their legs and feet. Of the numerous causes of venous insufficiency, obesity, lack of physical activity, standing for long durations at a stretch, and pregnancy are the leading ones.

In severe cases or for people who delay or lack treatment, the chronic superficial venous insufficiency can begin to develop in the deep veins and the condition can further worsen to result in Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) that refers to the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins.

The blood clot in deep veins can break-free and travel to other parts of the body. DVT can become life-threatening if the blood clot moves to the lungs as it can lead to pulmonary embolism and result in loss of life.

Impact on Life

Although most people choose to opt for treatment of venous insufficiency due to cosmetic reasons, varicose veins can be truly discomforting in one or more of the below mentioned ways :

  1. Trouble standing or sitting for long durations at a time
  2. Difficulty in walking due to extreme swelling
  3. Sleep disturbances due to pain and feeling of heaviness
  4. Reduced ability to perform everyday routine tasks and normal activities
  5. Low self-esteem and lack of confidence due to the unpleasant sight of varicose veins

Treatment and Cure

After making a note of the symptoms, doctors inquire about any other health issues and past treatment procedures that the patient may have undergone. As vascular disorders can also be hereditary, doctors also request for details about the family’s medical history.

Healthcare practitioners, especially the vascular experts are usually able to diagnose venous reflux by physical examination but prefer to verify with the diagnosis with the help of diagnostic examination. The duplex ultrasound scan facilitates the doctor to examine the extent of venous insufficiency and helps identify the precise location of the damaged veins.

Below mentioned are the available treatment options for superficial venous reflux:

  1. Phlebectomy – This process involves making numerous small cuts to remove the varicose veins.
  2. Radiofrequency ablation – In this minimally invasive process, vascular experts use radiofrequency to treat venous reflux.
  3. Venaseal – This procedure makes use of the medical glue to close and seal-off the affected veins.
  4. Sclerotherapy – A fluid is injected into the damaged veins to seal and close them permanently.
  5. Endovenous laser ablation – This is the most-effective minimally invasive treatment procedure where heat from the laser light is used to close-off the trouble-causing veins.

Conclusion

At Avis Vascular Centre, Dr. Rajah V Koppala helps eliminate the displeasing varicose veins and offers painless treatment for the cure of superficial venous reflux. Dr. Rajah V Koppala specializes in the minimally invasive endovenous laser ablation treatment that immediately alleviates the symptoms and removes all varicose veins in a single session.

As laser ablation is performed as an outpatient procedure, the patients can go back home on the same day. Popular as the no-cut, no-stitch, and no-scar treatment procedure with zero downtime, patients are able to resume work and perform their everyday tasks from the very next of the treatment. The laser treatment is very effective and highly efficient. It does not have any major side-effects and significantly reduces the chances of recurrence of varicose veins.

Dr. Rajah is an eminent vascular surgeon and a trained interventional radiologist. In his over 25 years long medical career, he has successfully completed 40,000+ procedures. He follows the protocols from the American College of Phlebology and performs only USFDA approved procedures. His top-priority remains to be customer satisfaction and he leaves no stone unturned to ensure a hassle-free medical experience for his patients.

If you have superficial venous insufficiency and feel shy or embarrassed in flaunting your dresses, skirts, shorts, swimming wear or similar types of garments due to the unsightly varicose veins, schedule your appointment with Dr. Rajah V Koppala for world-class treatment at the most affordable prices. Book now!

Varicose eczema causes and treatment
admin Vascular Diseases

Varicose Eczema Causes and Treatment

Varicose eczema is a prevalent medical condition that affects a large number of people in their old age especially those who are overweight or have a sedentary lifestyle.

What is worrisome is that even though venous eczema is a common disorder yet most people are unaware of it and tend to make this serious mistake that troubles them in the long run.

In this blog, let us understand more about varicose eczema and learn about the one common serious mistake in order to avoid repeating it. Stay with us until the end of this blog.

The Common Mistake

A majority of the people believe that varicose eczema is a skin condition and visit a dermatologist for its treatment. Yes, it is true that varicose eczema is indeed associated with inflammation and some doctors prescribe steroid creams and ointments to cure it but this isn’t the right treatment for it.

Applying creams to the affected area will only mask the problem. These creams are known to ease the itching and reduce the redness of the affected area. Initially, you might also feel that your condition is getting better with these creams but in the long run, these steroid ointments are likely to do more harm than any good.

These creams and ointments are known to damage the skin surface, make it thin, and even more vulnerable to infections. Thus, if you have varicose eczema and have been recommended ointments to treat it, you must consult a vein specialist to undergo proper treatment.

Cause of Varicose Eczema

The underlying cause of varicose eczema is a superficial vein reflux. This is a medical condition of the vascular system where the valves of the superficial veins do not function as desired and prevent the deoxygenated blood from flowing back to the heart. These veins instead make the blood flow in the opposite direction.

The malfunctioning valves of the leg veins lead to poor blood circulation and result in excessive blood pooling in the lower legs. Over time, the condition tends to get even worse and causes swelling and itching in the affected area.

In an event of a delay or lack in the treatment of superficial vein reflux, the patient begins to develop skin discoloration and the skin also becomes hardened. In the damaged area, the skin appears to be deeply pigmented and flaky. Further complications can arise in the form of cracks in the damaged area that make it possible for a bacterial infection to enter the skin.

In some cases, this can further lead to Cellulitis which is a serious condition that affects the deeper body tissues. All this while, the application of steroid ointments can make the skin of the affected area to become extremely sensitive and painful to touch.

Treatment for Varicose Eczema

It is important for you to know that delay in diagnosis and treatment of varicose eczema can cause extreme discomfort in the form of severe medical complications. Thus, if diagnosed at an early stage, varicose eczema can be completely cured.

To treat varicose eczema, we need to fix the blood circulation disorder i.e. varicose veins and superficial vein reflux. The best non-surgical treatment for venous disorders is the Endovenous Laser Ablation procedure. In this process, a laser fibre is used to remove all damaged veins and restore blood circulation in the legs.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre is an internationally qualified and highly skilled interventional radiologist. He has more than two decades of experience in treating patients through this painless and minimally invasive laser procedure for the removal of varicose veins.

If you are looking for a no-cut, no-stitch, and no-scar treatment for venous disorders, schedule your appointment with Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre today!

Types of Venous Disorders
admin Vascular Diseases

Types of Venous Disorders

Veins are an integral part of the circulatory system as they carry deoxgenated blood from all different parts of the body back to the heart. Thus, vascular health is of prime importance for the overall wellbeing of an individual.

In this blog today, we will explain about the different medical disorders of the veins and associated health complications of the venous system.

  1. Spider Veins – These are the red, blue or purple-coloured tiny veins that are visible right below the skin surface of the legs, chest, face, etc in the shape of a spiderweb-like formation.

    Spider veins are usually painless and do not cause any swelling. Although these do not pose an immediate threat to life, spider veins must not be ignored as they are caused due to pooling of blood and indicate a blood circulation issue in the veins.

  2. Varicose Veins – Varicose veins are larger than spider veins. These are caused when the valves of the leg veins restrict the blood flow back to the heart and lead to swelling accompanied by pain and irritation in the affected area.

    Varicose veins are clearly visible to the naked eye. Varicose veins patients also often complain of a feeling of heaviness in the legs. If painless, varicose veins may not be treated immediately. But delay in treatment can worsen the symptoms and lead to other complications as detailed below.

  3. Venous Ulcers – Blood pooling leads to excessive additional pressure as a result of which the walls of the varicose veins stretch and cause the protein from the blood cells to reach the subcutaneous tissues. The subcutaneous tissues eventually break-down and lead to ulceration.

    Venous ulcers are open sores visible on the skin surface of the legs and feet. The skin around the ulcer usually turns hard and brown in colour. Patients may also complain of a tingling sensation. These are extremely slow to heal and must be treated on time.

  4. Blood Clots – Blood clots are clumps of blood that restrict the righteous blood flow. These can occur anywhere in the body such as arms, legs, lungs, abdomen, etc and either stay at one place (Thrombosis) or travel to other parts of the body (Embolism).

    In the presence of blood clots, the affected area feels warmer and the skin surface looks visibly red. There may be numbness along with swelling and pain. Some patients may even find it difficult to walk.

  5. Deep Vein Thrombosis – DVT refers to the medical condition where a blood clot develops in the deep veins. This is a life-threatening disorder as the blood clot can travel to other parts of the body and affect the heart, brain, and even the lungs.

    DVT is triggered due to chronic blood pooling in the leg veins. DVT patients may complain of unexplained pain in the ankle and feet accompanied by swelling. The affected area feels warmer and turns pale red in colour.

  6. Chronic Venous Insufficiency – When a vascular impairment such as varicose veins is left untreated for a long period of time, the condition becomes chronic and the symptoms become worse, thus leading to Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).

    CVI is characterized by changes in the skin colour of the lower legs, constant itching on the legs, and swelling around the ankle. In this medical complication, the patients experience unusually high blood pressure levels in the legs.

If you have signs or symptoms of a venous disorder, do not worry as the best medical aid is available at Avis Vascular Centre, the leading medical institute for the painless and minimally invasive laser treatment of varicose veins.

Avis Vascular Centre is trusted by 12000+ happy patients who are completely satisfied with its healthcare services. All treatment procedures performed at Avis Vascular Centre are USFDA approved and performed in strict accordance with the protocols from the American College of Phlebology.

We always ensure that you have a pleasant medical experience at Avis Vascular Centre. For more details about our treatment procedures, medical check-up, diagnosis, treatment, Mediclaim assistance or outpatient registration, get in touch with Avis Vascular Centre today!

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Its Health Complications
admin Vascular Diseases

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Its Health Complications

What is DVT?

Deep Vein Thrombosis, abbreviated as DVT and also referred to as venous embolism, thrombophlebitis, or phlebothrombosis is a medical condition where blood clots (thrombus) develop in the deep veins of the legs.

DVT occurs as a result of blood pooling in the veins and the neighbouring tissues which act as a trigger for the blood clotting mechanism. Although DVT can occur in the veins of other body parts as well, these have been commonly observed in the lower legs, usually between the ankle and upper calf.

Blood clots in the deep vein thrombosis condition may partially or completely hinder the blood flow. These may also travel deep within the veins of the pelvis, arms, heart, brain, lungs, etc and lead to life-threatening medical conditions.

Both Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) are types of thrombophlebitis but SVT is less dangerous as blood clots are formed in the superficial veins and not the deep veins. As opposed to SVT which is not related to any serious complications, DVT requires immediate medical attention or can lead to death.

What causes DVT?

The most common cause of Deep Vein Thrombosis is inactivity. The lesser you move, the poorer is your blood circulation and this increases the chances of blood clotting by multi-fold.

Blood clots often develop in extended periods of inactivity. If you sit for long periods at your office desk or undertake elongated travel trips in a flight or car, or frequently binge-watch movies or web series, you are at a higher risk of developing clumps or blood clots in your legs.

People who are bedridden, paralyzed, or confined to a wheelchair are also highly likely to develop blood clots due to their inability to move their legs.

At times, any accident or surgery that causes damage to blood vessels may also lead to blood clots. Patients who have had orthopaedic surgery, pelvic surgery or abdominal surgery have also been reported to be suffering from DVT. In some cases, DVT has been diagnosed to be genetic or because of cancer.

How to diagnose DVT?

DVT is considered dangerous because it is a silent medical condition and difficult to diagnose by external examination. In most cases, especially when the blood clot is too small in size, there are no visible symptoms. DVT progresses too fast, thus making it even more difficult for the patient to identify the symptoms.

The most prominent signs of DVT are swelling, pain, and redness in the affected area. There may also be a prickly sensation in the legs. These symptoms are usually felt in a single leg.

The damaged area may feel warm and tender, it may also ache more when touched or pressed. The patient may suffer from shortness of breath accompanied by extreme pain that worsens after walking or standing.

As the visible symptoms develop only in about 50% of patients, it is wise for patients with a family history of blood clots to monitor their situation and keep a close eye on the symptoms, if any.

Is DVT a serious condition?

DVT is a very serious medical condition and often leads to the post-thrombotic syndrome which causes irreversible damage to the veins and the leg. As many as 25% of DVT patients have been reported to have suffered from permanent damage to their legs due to blood clotting.

Blood clots in the deep veins can grow bigger, break free, and travel through the bloodstream to other body parts such as the heart, brain, etc. Thus, DVT can also turn out to be fatal for a few patients.

As the deoxygenated blood from the veins is returning to the lungs for oxygenation, blood clots in the deep veins may be pushed to the lungs and can result in pulmonary embolism where the blood supply to the lungs is partially or fully restricted. This medical condition can lead to death.

Pulmonary embolism is characterized by chest pain that becomes worse with coughing or deep breathing, dizziness or fainting, increased pulse rate, and unexplained shortness of breath. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you must immediately rush to the nearest hospital.

How to reduce in-flight risk of DVT?

The risk of developing a blood clot increases substantially during a long flight. This is because there is limited leg space and your legs usually remain in a cramped position for an extended duration. Inactivity in a flight restricts the blood flow and thus increases the likelihood of DVT.

Whenever in a flight, you must move your legs as frequently as feasible. Always opt for an aisle seat as that has a little extra leg space and allows you to get up and walk around the cabin as many times as you want. You can also stretch your legs once a while.

You must also try and stand occasionally to flex your leg muscles and improve the blood circulation in the leg veins. If for some reason you are unable to get up, raise and lower your heels and keep your toes on the floor to exercise your calf muscles.

Always wear loose-fitting clothes and keep your legs uncrossed during your flight. You can also buy ergonomic devices that stimulate blood flow when body movement is not feasible. Those who have already been diagnosed with a venous disorder must use compression stockings to improve blood flow during long flights or car rides.

How to prevent DVT?

Deep vein thrombosis can be easily prevented by being physically active. By performing moderate exercises every day or going for a brisk walk, you can maintain good blood circulation and that can help in preventing blood clots.

Getting up from your office desk once every hour or so will also help the blood to constantly pump through the body. If at all you are unable to get up, keeping legs elevated will also improve the blood flow.

You must give up on caffeine and alcohol and instead consume plenty of fluids. Keep your blood pressure under control. Also, consult your medical practitioner about the suggested use of compression stockings and any blood-thinning drugs that will help regulate your blood flow.

Always eat clean and maintain a healthy weight. Pickup an outdoor sport and team with your friends and/or family for an everyday evening session. Walk down the road instead of taking a cab and always prefer the staircase instead of the escalator or the lift. These are small steps but make a huge difference to your overall health.

How to treat DVT?

As opposed to the ancient times when surgical procedures were the only feasible way to treat varicose veins and other venous disorders like DVT, today there are available minimally invasive and painless procedures that efficiently remove the deep vein thrombus and offer instant relief from symptoms like swelling and pain.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre specializes in the endovenous laser treatment which is performed as an outpatient procedure under the guidance of a doppler ultrasound scan. Enjoying a high success rate and a negligible rate of recurrence, this procedure is a highly efficient and safe treatment for a large variety of venous disorders.

If you have a family history of deep vein clots or have visible symptoms of DVT, do not hesitate or delay the treatment as it can lead to other medical complications. At Avis Vascular Centre, we treat 45000+ patients every year and have huge experience in curing even the most critical cases.

We offer 100% price assurance at the time of admission and have partnered with all major insurance agencies of India to offer easy Mediclaim assistance to our patients. Even if you reside outside of Hyderabad, our outstation patient care team can help you with your travel and accommodation bookings and thus ease your procedure.

Get treated by distinguished interventional radiologists at Avis Vascular Centre, book your consultation today!

4 Dangers Associated With Varicose Veins
admin Vascular Diseases

4 Dangers Associated With Varicose Veins

Most of us wrongly believe varicose veins to just be a cosmetic issue. Varicose veins, however, refer to a medical condition where malfunctioning valves of certain veins restrict the blood flow back to the heart and result in the undesired pooling of blood.

Characterized by swelling in the damaged area, pain, itching, and a feeling of heaviness, varicose veins do not only affect the elderly but are becoming increasingly popular in young adults as well.

Visible as swollen and enlarged bluish-purple veins, varicose veins can most often be seen as bulging out from the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are known to lead to other medical complications in cases where the treatment is delayed. Let us learn more about the dangers of varicose veins:

  1. Blood Clots – These are fairly common for all varicose veins patients. Although blood clots in the superficial veins do not pose a serious threat to life, blood clots in the deep veins (Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT) can travel to other parts of the body such as the heart, brain, and even to the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism which is a fatal medical condition.

    Blood clots can also lead to the health disorder called thrombophlebitis where the blood clots block one or more veins, usually in the legs. The affected area feels warm. The veins are painful and turn red in colour.

  2. Leg Ulcers – Varicose veins cause excessive swelling and hyperpigmentation where the skin around the affected area turns darker than the surrounding area. At this time, you will begin to notice open sores on the skin surface of the legs and these are commonly known as ulcers.

    The ulcers usually develop on the inner leg slightly above the ankle and are termed as the last stage of the venous disorder. Lack in treatment can cause chronic ulceration when while you try to heal one ulcer, another ulcer forms up at a different location on your legs.

  3. Bleeding – As varicose veins are usually the superficial veins, they are situated right under the surface of the skin. Even a small cut on the skin or a minor injury can cause excessive bleeding. Also, because the varicose veins result in the pooling of blood in the affected area, it can become very difficult to stop bleeding and there are high chances of it resulting in heavy blood loss!
  4. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) – When blood remains pooled in the varicose veins and the surrounding tissues, the blood pressure in the affected area rises and stays elevated for longer periods. This leads to the medical conditioned known as CVI.

    Chronic venous insufficiency is common for people who have blood clots in the deep veins and suffer from DVT. The skin around the affected area becomes to look leathery. It looks flaky and there is a lot of itching. CVI can further lead to venous eczema and venous stasis ulcers.

Home Remedies

Varicose veins have been classified as a lifestyle disorder. There are certain precautionary steps that you can take to improve your lifestyle and thus decrease the chances of occurrence of varicose veins and also reduce the intensity of the symptoms.

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat a nutritious diet that is low in fats and sugars
  • Make an exercise routine
  • Remain active throughout the day
  • Avoid sitting or standing for too long at a stretch
  • Use pillows to elevate your legs above the level of your heart while lying down on a bed
  • Wear compression stockings to improve the blood flow in your legs and prevent pooling of blood
  • Keep exercising your legs and ankles during long flights or car journeys

Treatment

Opposed to ancient times, today the varicose veins can be easily and efficiently treated by the painless and minimally invasive laser treatment process. In the endovenous laser ablation technique, the doctor makes a small incision in your skin and inserts a laser fiber along with a catheter to the damaged area.

The affected veins are then closed off and the body automatically re-routes the blood to the other neighbouring healthy veins. This procedure is performed with local anaesthesia and monitored with the help of a duplex ultrasound scan. It is a 100% safe procedure and does not lead to any major side-effects.

The endovenous laser treatment is a comparatively cost-effective and fairly quick procedure as compared to the surgical procedures and radio-frequency ablation techniques. Performed commonly as an outpatient procedure at the doctor’s clinic, it allows the patient to go back home on the same day and resume everyday work routine from the next day itself. The laser treatment for varicose veins is popular for being the no-cut, no-stitch, and no-scar treatment.

Conclusion

At Avis Vascular Centre, our all treatment procedures are USFDA approved. We strictly adhere to the protocols of the American College of Phlebology and ensure that all patients have a convenient and satisfactory medical experience.

We offer 100% price assurance at the time of admission along with free duplex scan facility to all deserving patients with 100% assistance for Mediclaim approvals from all leading national insurance providers.

We treat over 40000+ patients every year and have a cent percent success rate. We ensure that the chances of recurrence of varicose veins are reduced to a negligible minimum. We have an array of satisfied patients who speak highly of our professionalism and medical care.

Our doctor panel is headed by the extremely qualified and supremely talented Dr. Rajah V Koppala who has 24+ years of experience as an interventional radiologist. Having successfully cured patients with the worst cases of varicose veins, he is the best medical care practitioner for varicose veins not just in Hyderabad but in Telangana as well as all of India.

We are eager to make India, a nation free of venous disorders. If you want to know more about our treatment services or are eager to get your medical check-up for varicose veins done from Dr. Rajah V Koppala, schedule a consultation at Avis Vascular Centre today!

Varicose Veins versus Spider Veins
admin Vascular Diseases

Varicose Veins versus Spider Veins

What are varicose veins? How do we get spider veins? Are varicose veins any different from spider veins? These are the most common questions that a majority of the people have when they are experiencing what they think might be varicose veins or spider veins.

Varicose veins and spider veins are both similar vascular disorders. However, when we pay close attention, there are prominent differences in the symptoms and treatment of both these medical conditions.

Let us understand the similarities and differences in varicose veins and spider veins in the blog today.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are the swollen, enlarged, and twisted veins that turn bluish-purple in colour. These abnormal and dilated veins are commonly found on the legs and are clearly visible to the naked eye.

Varicose veins can be easily felt right under the surface of the skin. Varicose veins cause a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the legs. The patient also feels itching and irritation on the damaged area accompanied by a burning, throbbing or tingling sensation.

Varicose veins, when left untreated, can lead to severe health issues like blood clots, DVT, and active venous ulcers. It is vital to get the varicose veins treated to prevent them from worsening and for improving the look and feel of your legs.

What are spider veins?

Comparatively smaller in size than varicose veins, spider veins are red, purple, and blue blood vessels that are visible on the skin of the legs, chest, and face in the form of branches or spider web like structure.

These veins are tiny, mostly less than 1mm in diameter and visible just below the surface of the skin. Spider veins are usually painless and do not cause swelling in the affected area. Spider veins generally do not lead to any other critical health problems.

Spider veins may be caused due to the faulty one-way valves or may occur due to chronic venous insufficiency. A patient may have both varicose veins and spider veins at the same time but not all spider veins turn

What causes varicose veins and spider veins?

Both these are vascular disorders that occur due to malfunctioning valves of the veins that restrict the blood from flowing back to the heart and instead result in the pooling of the blood in the veins and the surrounding tissues.

This causes additional pressure on the veins and makes them enlarged and bulging out from the surface of the skin. The below-mentioned factors are the leading risk factors for varicose veins and spider veins:

  1. Hereditary
  2. Obesity
  3. Lack of physical exercise
  4. Use of birth control pills
  5. History of blood clots
  6. Hormonal replacement after menopause
  7. Hormonal influence during pregnancy, puberty, menopause
  8. Occupations that require extended hours of standing or sitting in the same position (nurses, teachers, factory workers, hair stylists, etc)
  9. Conditions that increase the pressure in the abdomen area (tumours, constipation, certain garments, etc)
  • Any previous vein surgery
  • Trauma or injury to the leg
  • Exposure to UV rays

Similarities between varicose veins and spider veins

  1. Varicose veins and spider veins are very common. As many as 50% of people over 50 years of age suffer from varicose veins.
  2. Both these medical conditions are hereditary disorders. If anyone in your family has had varicose veins or spider veins, it is not uncommon for you to also have them.
  3. Spider veins, as well as varicose veins, are related to body weight. Obese people have a higher tendency of suffering from one or both of these venous disorders
  4. Spider veins and varicose veins are related to the age as older people more are more likely to suffer from them
  5. Both these are also related to the gender as a large number of women have been reported to suffer from varicose veins and spider veins as opposed to their male counterparts

Differences between varicose veins and spider veins

  1. Varicose veins usually occur on the legs while spider veins can occur on the legs, face, and chest also
  2. Spider veins are oftentimes just a cosmetic issue but varicose veins deteriorate the quality of the life and hinder with the everyday activities
  3. Varicose vein symptoms are much worse and lead to extreme swelling, pain, itching, and discomfort in the legs
  4. Spider veins hardly result in any extreme condition while varicose veins always have a high chance of getting worse in cases when the treatment is delayed
  5. A few women may develop varicose veins during pregnancy which may go away on its own in about 3 months after delivery. Spider veins have no link to pregnancy.

Treatment for spider veins may only be needed for cosmetic purposes but is it essential to get varicose veins treated to prevent further worsening of the condition. Untreated varicose veins can lead to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), chronic venous insufficiency, venous ulcers, etc.

Today, with enormous advancements in medical science and technology, painless and minimally invasive laser treatment options are available for varicose veins. Referred to as the Endovenous Laser Treatment, it is a quick procedure and has proven to deliver successful results for even the most critical cases.

Dr. Rajah V Koppala is an internationally qualified and extensively trained interventional radiologist with over 24 years of experience. He has successfully treated over 12000 patients, not only from India, but also from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Middle East, Europe, and America.

At Avis Hospitals, Dr. Rajah V Koppala only employs the USFDA approved treatment procedure for varicose veins. This endovenous laser ablation technique is suitable for people of all age groups and has a success rate of 95% with zero downtime.

Avis Hospitals offer 100% price assurance at the time of admission and also offer free colour doppler examination for all patients. Avis Hospitals also offers round the clock services for outstation patients along with 100% assistance for Mediclaim requests as well. We are your one-stop medical institution for the most genuine treatment of varicose veins. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Hospitals today!

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