DVT Information
You can save lives, possibly even your own if you know the risk factors for DVT (deep vein thrombosis), or blood clot. Patients at Southern Hills Hospital have DVT information at their bed-side....the hospital has devoted an in-house television station for DVT education.
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DVT at a Glance.
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DVT Treatment.
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DVT Prevention.
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DVT Links.
DVT at a Glance
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot forms inside a deep vein,commonly located in the calf or thigh. DVT occurs when the blood clot either partially blocks or completely blocks the flow of blood in the vein. Complications from DVT kill up to 200,000 people a year in the U.S. – that’s more than AIDS and breast cancer combined. Given this startling statistic, it’s important to know the facts.
• Deep vein thrombosis most often occurs in the lower limbs (extremities), including the thigh or the calf.
• While most victims are 60 years or older, DVT can strike anyone at risk.
• The leading medical factors that cause DVT are: injury, immobility, surgery and/or illnesses that may include cancer, clotting disorders, and inflammatory diseases.
• Prolonged periods of sitting still can slow down the blood flow and lead to blood "pooling," or accumulating in the extremities.
• Certain cancers may cause clotting factors in the blood to increase. Clotting factors may also be affected as a result of an infection or injury to a blood vessel or following surgery.
• Pregnant women are 5 times more likely than non-pregnant women to develop DVT. Risk increases in the third trimester and immediately following delivery.
• Women taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement may be at increased risk of DVT.
• Clot fragments have been found in up to 60% of patients with leg fractures.
• Symptoms of DVT may include pain, tenderness, swelling or discoloration of the affected area, and skin that is warm to the touch.
• Some deep vein thromboses are "silent" and may be present with minimal symptoms.
• A major risk associated with DVT is the development of pulmonary embolism (PE). PE occurs when a blood clot breaks loose from the wall of a vein and travels to the lungs, blocking the pulmonary artery or one of its branches.
• Patients with pulmonary embolism may experience shortness of breath, an apprehensive feeling,chest pain, rapid pulse, sweating, or a bloody cough.
DVT Prevention
Because "killer legs" can creep up with little or no warning, the best tactic to take against DVT is prevention.
If you believe you may be experiencing DVT symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately. Patients who receive early treatment may reduce their chances of developing pulmonary embolism to less than 1%.
How is DVT treated?
If you are diagnosed with DVT, there are treatments that may alleviate the effects.
Medications
Drugs generally used to treat DVT fall into 2 basic categories:
• Anticoagulants
• Thrombolytic Agents
Surgical Procedures
Patients who are unable to take anticoagulants or who develop pulmonary emboli while on therapy may require the insertion of a filter or surgery to remove the clot.
Practical Measures
To minimize pain and discomfort your doctor may recommend that you:
• Elevate the affected leg whenever possible
• Apply heat to relieve pain and reduce swelling
• Wear compression bandages or support hose
• Avoid long periods of immobility
DVT Links
www.preventdvt.org
www.dvt.net
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