03/26/2025
DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a serious condition in which a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the lower leg or calf and blocks blood flow. DVT can lead to leg swelling, redness, and pain, but it can also occur without these symptoms.
DVT can become a life-threatening condition if the blood clot breaks loose from its original location in the vein and travels through the bloodstream into the lungs. This potentially fatal event is known as pulmonary embolism (PE).
SIGVARIS is proud to support DVT awareness to help people feel good every day.
What are the causes?
Restricted movement: Blood flow in the veins is slowed down because of restricted movement for a long period of time
Blood clots form more easily than normal: due to cancer and cancer treatments, heart disease and lung disease, thrombophilia
Infections or inflammation: can promote thrombus formation by affecting the lining surface of the vein
Damaged blood vessels: Blood vessels can be damaged by injuries such as broken bones or severe muscle damage
Pregnancy: 3 to 4 times more likely to develop thrombosis than non-pregnant women of the same age
How can I prevent a DVT?
Regular exercise, including stretching and leg movement, when traveling
Quit smoking
Try to maintain a normal body weight
Eat a healthy diet
Wear graduated medical compression stockings/socks
Why SIGVARIS graduated compression stockings?
Graduated compression helps to prevent a DVT event and associated complications by improving the blood flow back to the heart.
Compression socks & stockings narrow the diameter of the veins, thereby increasing the speed of the blood flow in the veins and reducing the risk of clot formation.