Know thrombosis: Tips to prevent deadly blood clots

(BPT) – When you think of potentially deadly health issues, do you think of a blood clot? According to a recent U.S. survey, only 7 percent of people say they are concerned about blood clots, known by the medical term thrombosis. However, what they might not know is one in four people worldwide die from conditions caused by thrombosis, making it a leading cause of global death and disability.

So, what is thrombosis?

* Thrombosis is the formation of potentially deadly blood clots in the artery (arterial thrombosis) or vein (venous thrombosis).

* When a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the leg, it is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

* If a blood clot travels in the circulation and lodges in the lungs, it is known as a pulmonary embolism (PE).

* Together, DVT and PE are known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), a dangerous and potentially deadly medical condition. DVT + PE = VTE.

‘Thrombosis is a significant public health issue about which many people are unfortunately unaware,’ says Dr. Gary Raskob, Ph.D., dean of the College of Public Health at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and chairman of the World Thrombosis Day Steering Committee. ‘Understanding the risk factors for thrombosis and if you are at risk, as well as the signs and symptoms, is knowledge that could save your life.’

Some signs and symptoms of DVT include pain or tenderness in the calf and/or thigh; swelling of the leg, foot and/or ankle; redness and/or noticeable discoloration; and warmth.

People with PE often experience shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain (which may be worse during deep breath), rapid heart rate, lightheadedness and/or fainting. Risk factors for VTE include hospitalization, surgery, cancer, prolonged immobility, family history, estrogen-containing medications and pregnancy or recent birth. Given that up to 60 percent of VTE cases occur during or after hospitalization, it’s important to ask your doctor for a risk assessment anytime you are admitted to the hospital.

‘Knowing the facts about thrombosis can save your life,’ says Mike Albanese, a comedian living with AFib, a common type of irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, which can lead to the formation of a deadly blood clot. ‘As a comedian, I try to use my shows as a platform to educate others about thrombosis, which can be preventable when you know what to look for.’

VTE-related events cause more deaths each year in the U.S. and Europe than breast cancer, AIDS and motor vehicle crashes combined. That’s why the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) created a global movement called World Thrombosis Day on Oct. 13 to increase awareness of this often-overlooked condition.

When it comes to thrombosis, knowing the signs, symptoms and risk factors can help you keep life flowing.

For more information about thrombosis, visit worldthrombosisday.org.

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* Deep vein thrombosis, or deep venous thrombosis (DVT), occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more veins located deep inside your body.
How to deal with deep vein thrombosis DVT | Deep vein thrombosis treatment 2015
These blood clots usually develop in the legs, but can occur in other areas also. A blood clot forms when blood does not circulate normally or clot properly.
How to deal with deep vein thrombosis DVT | Deep vein thrombosis treatment 2015
Some signs and symptoms of DVT include swelling, cramping pain, the affected area feeling warmer than surrounding areas and a change in the color of the skin near the affected area. Most people do not have symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose the problem at the early stage.
How to deal with deep vein thrombosis DVT | Deep vein thrombosis treatment 2015
DVT can be life threatening if a blood clot in your vein breaks loose, travels through your bloodstream and reaches the lung.
How to deal with deep vein thrombosis DVT | Deep vein thrombosis treatment 2015
This can block blood flow in the lung, resulting in pulmonary embolism. Together, DVT and pulmonary embolism comprise a condition known as venous thromboembolism (VTE).
How to deal with deep vein thrombosis DVT | Deep vein thrombosis treatment 2015
For preventing and treating DVT, you must be aware of the risk factors. These include having a blood-clotting disorder, obesity, pregnancy, an injury to your veins, surgery, some types of cancers and their treatments, heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease and family history.
How to deal with deep vein thrombosis DVT | Deep vein thrombosis treatment 2015
Prolonged bed rest, taking birth control pills, smoking and older age also put you at a higher risk.
How to deal with deep vein thrombosis DVT | Deep vein thrombosis treatment 2015
Once diagnosed with DVT, proper treatment and prescribed blood thinners are required. In addition, watch your diet, opt for a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly and try some home remedies to help treat and prevent another DVT.
How to deal with deep vein thrombosis DVT | Deep vein thrombosis treatment 2015
Always consult a doctor before trying any natural remedy to prevent spontaneous bleeding or hemorrhage, especially if taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
How to deal with deep vein thrombosis DVT | Deep vein thrombosis treatment 2015
1. Elevation and Compression
In addition to the prescribed medications, your doctor may also recommend elevating the affected leg and wearing compression stockings to help reduce symptoms of deep vein thrombosis like swelling and pain.
How to deal with deep vein thrombosis DVT | Deep vein thrombosis treatment 2015
Wear compression stockings as recommended by your doctor. Make sure the stockings are fitted professionally. Also, the prescription should be reviewed every 3 to 6 months.
How to deal with deep vein thrombosis DVT | Deep vein thrombosis treatment 2015
Elevate your leg whenever you are resting, at least 3 to 4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time to help relieve the pressure in the veins. When elevating your leg make sure you raise your foot higher than your hip.
For more information:

How to Deal with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

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How to deal with deep vein thrombosis DVT | Deep vein thrombosis treatment