Published in the Lynn Haven Ledger, March 2011
DVT is Preventable and Treatable
D
eep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, is a life threatening condition that occurs in approximately two million Americans each year. DVT is when a blood clot forms in one of the large veins of the deep venous system, most commonly in the lower limbs. The primary and most dangerous complication of DVT is a pulmonary embolism or PE. A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a segment of clotted blood (most commonly from the lower extremities) breaks loose, and travels toward the heart through the circulatory system. This clot can then become lodged in the artery that carries blood from the heart to the lungs (pulmonary artery), causing a severe dysfunction in respiratory function. More people die in the United States from a PE than from breast cancer and AIDS combined. Some of the biggest risk factors for DVT include sitting for long periods of time such as when driving or flying; inheriting a blood-clotting disorder, cancer, Injury or surgery, pregnancy, oral contraceptives or hormone therapy, obesity and smoking. Symptoms for DVT may include, but are not limited to; swelling, pain, redness, skin discoloration or skin that is warm to the touch. Most healthy, active individuals are at low risk of developing DVT, but it can happen. Be aware of the risk factors and also aware that over time, your risk factors can change. Assess your risk on a regular basis, and if you observe anything suspicious, speak with your healthcare provider right away. In the diagnosis of DVT your healthcare provider will take into account your specific symptoms and risk factors, and frequently will order some type of diagnostic or objective testing such as an ultrasound and/ or blood work. An ultrasound is a non invasive and painless way to image veins for DVT. A wand-like device (transducer) is placed over the part of your body that is in question. As sound waves travel through your tissue with the help of gel, they will reflect back a moving image on a video screen. An ultrasound technologist can then image the venous system where clot may be visible if the patient is positive for a DVT. Sometimes a series of ultrasounds are done over several days to determine whether a blood clot is extending, and also to be sure a new one hasn’t developed. The good news is that DVT is preventable and treatable. DVT treatment options include blood thinners, clot busters, filters and compression stockings. With March being DVT awareness month, we encourage you to stay active and have a conversation with your healthcare professional about reducing your risk for developing a DVT.