A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide. Understanding how a DVT forms as well as the impact it has on your health is the first step in avoiding complications due to this potentially deadly condition.
What is a DVT, PE, & VTE?
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where a blood clot has formed in a deep vein and is typically found in the legs, pelvis, or, at times, arms. A pulmonary embolism (PE) is what happens when that clot travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. The DVT/PE condition is also known as venous thromboembolism (VTE).
What are the Suggested Stats on Developing a DVT?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates the number of people living with the danger of DVT/PE or venous thromboembolism could be up to two people for every thousand. It’s also suggested anywhere from a third to half of those patients will have long-term complications related to DVT/PE and between 10 and 30% could die within a month of being diagnosed.
Why is a DVT So Dangerous?
The biggest concern with developing blood clots is the risk of one breaking off and traveling to the lungs, which can be fatal. Once stuck in the lungs, the clot can restrict the blood flow to the lungs or heart. Moreover, the clot can damage the valves in the veins called post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), which can be a long-term condition that causes swelling, pain, discoloration, and in severe cases, scaling or ulcers.
Who is At-Risk for Developing DVTs?
There are three reasons for a DVT or blood clot to form: (1) your blood movement slows, (2) the blood vessel lining is damaged, or (3) the blood makeup is altered.
As a result, you are most at risk of developing a DVT If you are:
In other words, your overall health, the amount of inflammation in your body, and your activity levels have a direct correlation to your risk of developing a DVT. Additionally, you can develop a DVT from increased estrogen levels or an inherited blood-clotting disorder like Factor V Leiden where the blood mutates and is more prone to abnormal clotting.
Will Air Travel Cause DVT to Develop?
Higher altitudes above 4,000 feet have been linked with physiological changes that could result in developing a DVT. However, the primary reason air travel is often associated with elevated DVT/PE occurrence is due to the lack of movement passengers experience during the flight. If passengers remain seated for an extended period of time while using another form of transportation, such as a car or bus, those individuals would also be at a high risk of forming a DVT.
Is COVID-19 Linked With Developing a DVT?
According to a study by Harvard Medical School investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital, patients with severe health complications stemming from contracting COVID-19 may be at an increased risk of forming blood clots due to a change in the blood makeup. This abnormality can result in blood clots forming in small vessels throughout the body. Also, it is important to note that while hospitalized or recovering at home, a reduction in movement can contribute to an elevated probability of developing a DVT.
What are the Symptoms of a DVT or PE?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your physician or seek medical care immediately.
What are Some Ways to Avoid DVTs?
The best way to avoid DVTs is to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. While traveling or staying seated for extended periods of time, don’t forget to stretch and move around every two to three hours at the most. If you are sick or recovering from surgery and you are unable to walk around, ask your doctor about medications as well as natural aids to help prevent DVTs until you are able to resume your normal routine. Compression socks or stockings and portable DVT Compression therapy are excellent non-invasive ways to increase your circulation naturally.
What is Portable DVT Compression Therapy?
Portable DVT compression therapy pumps promote blood circulation to prevent blood clots from forming while reducing pain and swelling. Such treatments also support faster healing and may be used to treat such conditions as stasis dermatitis, venous stasis ulcers, arterial and diabetic leg ulcers, chronic venous insufficiency, and reduction of edema in lower limbs. Contact Best Medical Solutions at info@bestmedicalsolutions.net or by calling (817) 585-1772 to discover more about our DVT prevention programs and to learn more about how portable DVT compression therapy can help prevent the formation of DVTs in your patients and loved ones.
Article provided by: