Yaz And Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Clots can form in superficial veins and in deep veins. Women who have used Yaz birth control have been diagnosed with DVT and in some cases with pulmonary embolism (PE). Blood clots with inflammation in superficial veins rarely cause serious problems because they form near the surface of the skin and do not travel to the lungs. However, clots in deep veins can break loose and travel to your lungs.

This is called a pulmonary (lung) embolism. In severe cases, a pulmonary embolism can cause life-threatening complications. DVT may damage the vein and cause the leg to ache, swell and change color. However, many instances of deep vein thrombosis disappear on its own or after treatment with blood thinners. Although blood clots most often develop in the calf and thigh veins, they do develop less often in the arm veins or pelvic veins.

DVT Symptoms

Deep vein thrombosis often develops with no obvious symptoms. In fact, in about half of all cases, there are no noticeable symptoms. In some cases, a pulmonary embolism is the first sign that you have DVT. When symptoms do occur, they may include pain and swelling of the affected areas, including legs, arms and neck. If the clot is in the leg, you may experience swelling in the ankles and feet as well as the feeling of having a “charlie horse”. You may also experience redness and warmth in the area affected by the blood clot.

Causes/Risk Factors

Inactivity. Blood clots can form in veins when you are inactive, such as if you are paralyzed or bedridden, or must sit for extended periods of time while on a long flight or car trip. Although sitting for long periods of time is a risk factor, your chance of developing DVT while flying or driving is relatively low.
Surgery. Injury to your veins or surgery can slow blood flow, increasing the risk of blood clots. General anesthetics used during surgery can dilate your veins, which can increase the risk of blood pooling and then clotting.
Cancer. Some types of cancer increase the amount of substances in your blood that promote clotting. In addition, some forms of cancer treatment can increase the risk level of developing blood clots.
Family History. Some people may inherit a blood-clotting disorder that runs in families. Women with a genetic clotting disorder such as Factor 5 are at a higher risk.
Pregnancy. Pregnancy increases the pressure in the veins in your pelvis and legs. The risk of blood clots from pregnancy can continue for up to six weeks after you give birth.
Heart Failure. Women with heart failure are at risk of DVT because a damaged heart does not pump blood as effectively as a normal heart, thus increasing the chance that blood will pool and then clot.
Birth Control/Hormone Replacement Therapy. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills), including third generation contraceptives and fourth generation pills like Yaz birth control and hormone replacement therapy both can increase your blood's ability to clot.
Overweight/obese. Being overweight increases the pressure in the veins in your pelvis and legs.
Smoking. Smoking affects blood clotting and circulation and especially increases the risk of developing a clot for women who are over age 35 and daily smokers.

By: Steve4 Fields4

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Steve Fields is author of this article on Yaz Lawsuit. Find more information about Yaz Side Effects here.