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WHAT
Is DVT?
DVT
– Deep Vein Thrombosis is a common, but serious
medical condition that affects an estimated 200,000 to 600,000
Americans each year. DVT occurs when a thrombus (blood clot)
forms in a “deep vein” in the body; one that is
not visible from the skin surface, usually the lower leg or
thigh. DVTs can occur in other parts of the body as well.
A “deep vein” clot can cause very serious complications
if it breaks off, travels through the bloodstream, and lodges
in the lung preventing blood oxygen from reaching the tissue.
This complication is known as “pulmonary embolism”
(PE). If the clot is large or if there are many clots, pulmonary
embolism can be fatal. Of
the 60,000 to 200,000 individuals who develop PE annually, many
die within 30 to 60 minutes after symptoms start, because they
are not diagnosed and treated in a timely and effective manner.
Unfortunately,
too little is known about DVT/PE especially in African-Americans
and other ethnic groups. In the United States, more people die
each year from PE than breast cancer, AIDS, and car accidents
combined.
What
causes DVT?
DVT is caused by a combination of two or more underlying conditions:
Slow or sluggish blood flow through a deep vein, possibly
brought on by:
•
Bed rest after a surgical procedure or medical illness
•
Confinement or the inability to walk (which may occur during prolonged
air or car travel).
Irritation or inflammation of the inner lining of the vein
•
A leg vein injured by a major accident or medical procedure
•
Certain medical conditions that lead to vein damage such as high
blood pressure, diabetes, or auto-immune disease
A tendency for a person’s blood to clot quickly.
•
Hereditary: a history of parents or siblings who suffer from prior
blood clots or pregnancy loss.
•
Active cancer treatments that may predispose the blood to clotting.
WHO
IS AT RISK?
DVT
can occur in almost anyone.
RISK
FACTORS include:
•
Advanced age
•
Obesity
•
Gene changes that are inherited
•
Sickle-cell trait
TRIGGERING
FACTORS include:
•
Heart or respiratory failure
•
Cancer
•
Hospitalization• Pregnancy (especially first six weeks after
giving birth)
•
Use of birth control pills or hormone therapy (postmenopausal)
•
Restricted mobility (medical illness or long distance air or car
travel)
•
Patients who remain immobile in bed after major surgery
•
Varicose veins
•
Stroke
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF DVT & PE
Not everyone with deep vein thrombosis has symptoms. For
many, the symptoms are minimal or completely “silent”.
In the event DVT symptoms are present, they may include:
•
Severe pain or tenderness in the leg, especially when
standing or walking
•
Severely swollen area of the leg
•
Red or discolored skin
•
Increased warmth in the area that is swollen or painful
Some people realize they have deep vein thrombosis only
after the blood clot has moved from the leg and has traveled
to the lung. Symptoms for this PE condition may include:
•
Chest pain
•
Shortness of breath
•
Persistent cough – coughing of blood
•
Anxiety and/or profusely sweating
PREVENTION
OF DVT
•
Quit
smoking
•
Stay
hydrated, drink plenty of water
•
Exercise
•
Avoid
sitting for long periods, walk during travel
•
Talk
to your doctor about precautions before a
high risk procedure (such as surgery)
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Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
1.
While a person is standing or seated for an extended period
of time, a blood clot can form in the leg.
2. When the
person begins walking, the clot can break loose
and begin traveling through the circulatory system.
3. The blood
clot passes through the heart and,
4. becomes
lodged in the lung.
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STARTLING
STATISTICS: According to a national survey conducted
in 2002 for the American Public Health Association (APHA),
the study revealed:
• 74% of adults have little or no awareness
of DVT
•
More than 57% of those aware of DVT, were unable to name any common
risk factors or
pre-existing conditions that could lead to the development
of DVT
•
95% of adults surveyed reported their physicians had never discussed
this
medical condition with them.
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