Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) happens when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a deep vein, most often in the legs. This clot can partially or completely block blood flow and oxygen to parts of the body, leading to serious health problems.

In Grand Rapids, MI, DVT is commonly diagnosed and treated at major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health), and Mercy Health. Understanding your risks and when to seek care can help prevent life‑threatening complications.

How Blood Clots Form

Blood contains:

  • Platelets – sticky cells that help blood clot
  • Clotting factors – proteins that help form a stable clot

Normal Blood Clotting

When you get a cut or injury:

  1. Platelets rush to the site and stick together.
  2. Clotting factors create a web-like mesh.
  3. This mesh traps more platelets and blood cells, forming a plug that seals the wound.

This process is essential for survival. However, when clots form inside blood vessels and block normal blood flow, they can cause problems like DVT and pulmonary embolism.

How DVT Develops in the Legs

Blood in the leg veins needs help to move back up to the heart, especially against gravity.

  • Calf muscles act as a pump. When they contract (while walking or moving), they squeeze the veins and push blood upward.
  • Valves in the veins keep blood flowing in one direction and prevent backflow.

Anything that slows or stops blood flow in the deep veins of the legs can lead to DVT, including:

  • Injury to a vein
  • Surgery
  • Long periods of sitting or lying down (for example, during recovery after surgery or long travel)

Sometimes, a clot in the leg can break free and travel to the lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE) and is a medical emergency.

DVT and Pulmonary Embolism: A Serious Risk

When a clot travels from a leg vein to the lungs, it can:

  • Lodge in the main artery of the lungs or one of its branches
  • Block blood and oxygen from reaching lung tissue

A major pulmonary embolism can be fatal. It’s estimated that about one-third of people with a major PE may die without rapid treatment.

Emergency treatment for pulmonary embolism may include:

  • Medications to dissolve the clot (thrombolytics)
  • Anticoagulant (“blood thinner”) medicines to prevent new clots
  • Oxygen and supportive care in the hospital

In Grand Rapids, emergency departments at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital, and other local hospitals are equipped to manage DVT and PE.

Risk Factors for Deep Vein Thrombosis

DVT is more likely if you have a blood clotting disorder, but many other factors can raise your risk. You may be at higher risk of DVT if you:

  • Are over age 40
  • Have obesity
  • Smoke tobacco
  • Have coronary heart disease, heart failure, or other heart conditions
  • Have had DVT or pulmonary embolism before
  • Have a family history of blood clots or stroke at a young age
  • Take the combined oral contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
  • Have cancer or are receiving cancer treatment
  • Have varicose veins
  • Have had major surgery (especially hip, knee, pelvic, or abdominal surgery)
  • Have had serious injuries (fractures, spinal cord injuries, major muscle injuries)
  • Are confined to bed or have limited movement (for example, after surgery, illness, or during long-term care)
  • Are pregnant or have given birth in the last six weeks
  • Are dehydrated

Local Considerations in Grand Rapids and Michigan

Certain local factors can also play a role:

  • Cold winters in West Michigan may reduce physical activity, which can slow blood flow in the legs.
  • Sedentary indoor lifestyles during snowy months can increase the risk of weight gain and reduced movement.
  • Long drives within Michigan or to nearby states, and flights out of Gerald R. Ford International Airport, can mean extended periods of sitting, which increases DVT risk in susceptible people.

If you have multiple risk factors, speak with your primary care provider in Grand Rapids about your personal risk and prevention strategies.

Long-Distance Travel and DVT

Travel by air, car, or train for more than four hours is associated with an increased risk of DVT, especially in people who already have risk factors.

Tips to Reduce DVT Risk While Traveling

To help keep blood moving in your legs:

  • Move regularly
    • Stand up and walk around every 1–2 hours if possible.
    • If you must stay seated, do simple leg and foot exercises every couple of hours.
  • Leg and foot stretches
    • Flex and point your feet.
    • Rotate your ankles.
    • Lift your heels up and down while keeping your toes on the floor.
  • Wear loose clothing
    • Avoid tight waistbands and restrictive garments.
  • Stay hydrated
    • Drink plenty of water.
    • Limit alcohol and avoid dehydration.
  • Avoid tobacco smoking before and during travel.

If you have risk factors for DVT, talk with your doctor in Grand Rapids before a long trip. Some people may benefit from graduated compression stockings or adjustments to their medications.

If you take anticoagulant medicines (blood thinners), follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when traveling.

Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis

DVT usually affects one leg (rarely both), but clots can also occur in the arms or abdomen.

Common symptoms include:

  • Throbbing pain, cramping, or tenderness (often in the calf or thigh)
  • Pain when extending the foot (for example, pointing your toes upward)
  • Swelling of the lower leg, ankle, or foot
  • Skin that is warm to the touch over the affected area
  • Changes in skin color – the leg may appear red, pale, or bluish

These symptoms can also occur in your arm or abdomen if that is where the clot has formed.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism (Emergency)

Call 911 immediately if you notice signs of a possible pulmonary embolism, including:

  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Sharp chest pain that may worsen with deep breathing
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Coughing, sometimes with bloody mucus
  • Feeling lightheaded, faint, or very unwell

Do not wait to see if these symptoms go away. Go to the nearest emergency department in Grand Rapids.

Diagnosis of DVT in Grand Rapids

If a doctor suspects DVT, you will be referred for tests, often available through local hospitals and imaging centers in Grand Rapids.

Common Tests

  • Ultrasound of the leg veins

    • This is the main test for DVT.
    • It shows whether blood is flowing normally or if there is a blockage from a clot.

  • D-dimer blood test

    • Blood clots produce a protein fragment called D-dimer.
    • A negative D-dimer test can help rule out DVT in low-risk patients.

  • Venogram (less common)

    • A special dye is injected into a vein in the foot.
    • X-rays are taken to see if there is a blockage in the leg veins.

While you are waiting for imaging (such as an ultrasound), your doctor may give you an injection of an anticoagulant medicine to reduce the risk of the clot getting bigger or traveling.

Treatment for Deep Vein Thrombosis

Once DVT is confirmed, the main treatment in Grand Rapids is similar to national standards and may be managed by your primary care provider, a vascular specialist, or a hematologist.

Anticoagulant (“Blood Thinner”) Medicines

  • Usually taken as tablets (or sometimes injections).
  • Help prevent the existing clot from getting bigger and stop new clots from forming.
  • Treatment often lasts at least six weeks, but many people need therapy for 3–6 months or longer, depending on risk factors.

Common anticoagulants include:

  • Warfarin
  • Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), such as apixaban, rivaroxaban, and others
  • Low-molecular-weight heparin injections (often used in pregnancy or cancer)

Other Treatments

In selected cases, especially with very large clots or severe symptoms, specialists at major Grand Rapids hospitals may consider:

  • Catheter-directed thrombolysis
    • A small tube is placed in the vein.
    • Medication is delivered directly to the clot to break it up.
  • Mechanical thrombectomy
    • Devices may be used to break up and remove the clot.

These procedures are not suitable for everyone and are typically reserved for more severe or complicated DVTs.

Preventing Further Blood Clots After DVT

After a DVT, it is crucial to:

  • Take anticoagulant medicines exactly as prescribed.
  • Keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor or clinic.
  • Discuss how long you need to stay on blood thinners and what lifestyle changes can help.

Managing Risk Factors

Talk to your Grand Rapids healthcare provider about:

  • Stopping smoking
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Being physically active year-round, even during West Michigan’s colder months (indoor walking, home exercise, or gym-based activity)
  • Following a heart-healthy eating pattern
    • Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

For some people, your doctor may recommend testing for antiphospholipid syndrome or other clotting disorders, especially if:

  • You have had repeated blood clots
  • You had a clot at a young age
  • You have a history of miscarriages or certain autoimmune conditions

Complications of Untreated DVT

If DVT is not treated, it can lead to complications such as:

  • Phlebitis – inflammation of the vein
  • Leg ulcers – long-term damage to the veins can cause chronic swelling and skin breakdown
  • Post-thrombotic syndrome
    • Ongoing leg pain, swelling, heaviness, and skin changes after a DVT
  • Pulmonary embolism – the most serious complication, which can be life-threatening

Medicines and Interactions

If you are taking anticoagulant medicines:

  • Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medicine, including:
    • Over-the-counter pain relievers
    • Herbal supplements
    • Vitamins and natural products
  • Some medicines and supplements can interact with blood thinners and:
    • Increase the risk of bleeding, or
    • Reduce the effectiveness of your anticoagulant

Local pharmacies throughout Grand Rapids can review your medications and help identify possible interactions.

Preventing DVT in the Hospital

In Grand Rapids hospitals, such as Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Mercy Health, several measures are used to reduce the risk of DVT in patients who are at moderate to high risk:

  • Anticoagulant medicines in low doses to prevent clot formation
  • Compression stockings or intermittent pneumatic compression devices to improve blood flow in the legs
  • Encouraging early movement and walking as soon as it is safe after surgery

If you’re admitted to a hospital, ask your care team what is being done to reduce your risk of blood clots.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are concerned about DVT or have risk factors, you can:

  • Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or cardiologist/vascular specialist at:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health)
    • Mercy Health and associated clinics
  • Contact the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health resources for information on chronic disease prevention, smoking cessation, and healthy lifestyle programs.

When to Get Help

  • Call 911 immediately if you have:

    • Sudden shortness of breath
    • Chest pain
    • Coughing up blood
    • Symptoms of stroke or collapse

  • Seek urgent medical care at a Grand Rapids emergency department or urgent care if you have:

    • Sudden leg swelling, pain, warmth, and color change in one leg
    • Symptoms that suggest a blood clot in your arm or abdomen

  • Contact your doctor promptly if:

    • You have risk factors for DVT and are planning surgery, pregnancy, or long-distance travel
    • You notice mild but persistent leg swelling or discomfort

Key Points About DVT in Grand Rapids

  • Anything that slows blood flow through the deep veins in the legs can cause DVT.
  • A clot that travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) can block blood flow and may be fatal if not treated quickly.
  • Certain temporary situations, like surgery, pregnancy, infections, or long travel, can increase your risk.
  • Symptoms usually affect one leg, but clots can also occur in the arms or abdomen.
  • It is crucial to get medical help as soon as possible if you think you have DVT.

Early diagnosis and treatment—readily available at hospitals and clinics throughout Grand Rapids—can greatly reduce the risk of serious complications and help you return to normal activities safely.