Deep vein thrombosis, commonly known as DVT, is a severe condition that is caused due to formation of blood clots in one of the major veins in the body and is found in the deep veins. In most cases, the condition can be treated and prevented. Sometimes though, it can lead to severe complications. Here are some complications caused due to DVT and prevention tips that you should be aware of.

Complications of DVT
With the help of blood thinners and some lifestyle changes, DVT can be managed if not prevented. However, for the treatment to be successful, the condition needs to be diagnosed early. If it is not caught early, it can lead to complications. Some of these complications include:

1. Pulmonary embolism
This is a complication that occurs when a deep vein blood clot reaches the lungs. Pulmonary embolism can cause severe and irreversible damage to the lungs and some other organs, too. This happens due to the reduced flow of blood. When the clots become large or too many in numbers, they can prove to be fatal.

2. Post-thrombotic syndrome
This one is a long-term complication arising from DVT. It results from damage to the valves in the veins caused by the blood clot. The complication interferes with the day-to-day life of a person by causing discomfort, pain, and swelling. 

Tips to Prevent DVT
While in some cases DVT can cause complications, in some cases, people might have the condition and never know that they have it. Not diagnosing the condition or diagnosing it late can lead to complications. Thankfully, there are several ways to prevent the condition from developing. If one is at risk, there are several prevention tips that they can follow. Some of them are:

1. Check for risk factors
One of the most effective prevention tips for DVT is to know whether you are at risk or not. The condition can affect anyone, but certain people are at a higher risk than others. So, to avoid the condition, it is important to know whether or not you fall in the latter category. Some of the risk factors are trauma, excess weight, kidney conditions, surgery, sedentary job, cancer treatment, heart failure, smoking, and genetics.

2. Stay active
Many jobs demand people to sit on their work desks for long hours. This can put them at the risk of developing DVT. If you are working in such a setting, you must stay active throughout the day. Take breaks frequently and move around the premises. You can set an alarm on your phone or even use a fitness tracker for regular reminders.

3. Lose the extra weight
Being overweight can increase the risk of developing DVT. Therefore, maintain a healthy body weight according to one’s Body Mass Index (BMI). Eating healthy and exercising regularly can help you lose extra weight and maintain weight.