While the average American may be concerned about a fatal heart attack or stroke, few people know that blood clots in the veins are the third most common vascular disorder.
Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which blood clots form in the deep veins at the legs. DVT isn’t necessarily fatal. However, some of the clots can travel to the lung arteries and cause a pulmonary embolism (PE). This condition is responsible for approximately 180,000 deaths each year. About 25 to 50% of DVT survivors experience a long-term condition called “post-thrombotic syndrome,”It can cause chronic leg swelling, pain, heaviness, fatigue, disability, and leg sores.
DVT and PE affect up to 1,000,000 Americans each year. 600,000. are admitted to hospital. While the risk of DVT increases as we get older, it is possible to develop it at any age. DVT risk increases in pregnant women and for four to six week after giving birth.
How do blood clots form? In general, bloodclots develop in areas that have poor blood flow, vein inflammation or irritation, and tend to clot quickly. People at highest risk are those who have recently had surgery, who have been hospitalized for an acute illness, or who have a family history with blood clots.
DVT can often be detected using ultrasound. It’s usually treated with blood-thinning and anticoagulant medication. Doctors may use clotbusting drugs and devices to soften or remove major clots. Blood clots can occur in many cases, but they are easily prevented by blood-thinning medication when patients are at greater risk.
These tips are provided by The Vascular Disease Foundation, an educational non-profit national organization.
Talk to your physician if you’re being hospitalized or are scheduled for surgery to discuss how to prevent DVT.
Discuss the risks and benefits of estrogen hormone therapy or birth control with your doctor.
– When you travel long distances by plane, car or train, make sure to get up every hour.
– Stop smoking.
Maintain a healthy weight and eat a healthy meal.
Visit the Vascular Disease Foundation for more information www.vdf.orgOr call 888-833-44663
