Powerlifting and DVT

Hello guys,

I would like to get your opinion about this situation of mine. I am a 25 year old male. I have been diagnosed with DVT (Deep vein trombosis) in my right leg around the knee joint about 7 weeks ago. Doctors did not find any clear reason for DVT because of my age and said it could be related to lifting. 3-4 days before i felt pain in my calf, i was sick and had to rest for 2 days and also dehydrated which could together with lifting could be the cause doctors said. I have been taking blood thinners daily as injections and i am using compression stockings. This treatment will continue for 1 more month. My symptoms are almost gone and recent ultrasound showed an improvement in blood flow in my leg. After the diagnosis, I stopped lifting and then started some light upper body work just recently. Genetic scans are also done but did not show any problems.

Before this problem, i have been doing some strength training/powerlifting style workout for 10 months which started with starting strength 3x5 and then i did the Candito intermediate program. I was training for 4-5 days a week and had no major problems during this period and training was going very good (I also sometimes play basketball in addition to traning). Can DVT be related to the heavy lifting with breathing and bracing which increases the pressure inside the body? Or i might be doing something wrong techniquewise? I am also using a powerlifting belt (i dont know if that has a major effect). If not, do you think is it safe to start with some light squats and deadlifts or when should i start to work my legs?

I wanted to ask here because i was not able to explain and discuss the training method used in powerlifting with the the doctor (he is a cardiovascular surgeon btw). He suggested to stop lifting completely which i dont want to do.

Thanks in advance for any opinion.

The idea that lifting weights can cause a DVT is entirely made-up bullshit.

It would be great if doctors like this cardiovascular surgeon could refrain from speaking authoritatively on things they have no idea about, or giving harmful recommendations like “stop lifting weights forever”.

Thank you Dr. Baraki for the quick response.

I am planning to start lower body exercises slowly in the following weeks and hopefully continue with my programming. I will try to post the updates here for anyone having similar issues.