Blood clots -- who is at risk and how to prevent them
Even if it is not directly linked to heart health, blood clots are an important risk factor especially for the people recovering from surgical interventions and those who do not mobilize so well. Today I would like to bring to your attention the risks of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis). I will start by explaining how the clots form and then we will have a quick review of the risk factors and treatment methods available.
Blood clotting is a natural response which is triggered when you are injured or have an operation. This is a mechanism which prevents you from life-threatening haemorrhages. But clots may form in the absence of a wound as well, deep inside a vein. In most cases this happens in the leg veins and it is recognized as DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis.
How to recognize DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)?
A blood clot in a vein will reduce the blood flow return and therefore the usual signs of DVT include signs of blood stasis: pain, swelling, redness of the skin in the surrounding area.
The risks of DVT
The risks associated with thrombosis of the veins are high: In the UK each year at least 25000 people die each year as a result of a blood clot while many more others face other serious injuries. The main risk is associated mainly with the fact that a clot can travel through the veins and move to more important organs such as the lungs, causing extensive damage or even posing a risk for your life. The risks of DVT can be lowered by using prevention which will be chosen by your healthcare specialist.
Who is at risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)?
There are some risk groups of people who will get more attention during their staying in the hospitals due to the fact that they are at a greater risk. It is now accepted that a triad of factors are increasing the risk of developing DVT and this includes blood vessels injury, "thick" blood and lack of movement. You are at a greater risk of developing DVT if you find yourself in any of these situations:
- Suffering of cancer
- You are over 60 years old
- You are overweight with a BMI (Body Mass Index) over 30
- You are dehydrated (including vomiting, diarrhea for longer periods of time)
- You have a condition where your blood clots too easily (thrombophilia)
- You suffer of heart problems, lung problems, you undergo a serious infection or inflammatory condition
- There is a history of DVT among the other members of your family
- You are having Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- You use the oestrogen-containing contraceptive pill
- You have varicose veins and phlebitis
- You are pregnant or have given birth in the last six weeks.
- You are moving less or at all in the last three days
- You are having surgery for an abdominal condition
- Your surgery will take more than 90 minutes or 60 minutes if the surgery involves your pelvis or legs.
What treatments are available for DVT?
A range of treatment and prevention methods are available and it is important that you follow them as advised by your healthcare team. We could divide the treatment methods into Mechanical methods and Medication.
Mechanical treatment
A range of anti-embolism stockings (compression or TED stockings) are available with their main benefit being that they make your blood move quicker through your legs by compressing the superficial veins and forcing the blood to speed up. If you are planning to stay in a hospital usually the healthcare staff will be the one who will measure your legs and make sure you are given the right size.
It is advisable to wear them for as long as possible until you recover completely, both in hospital and at home. While at home, you will need to be explained first how to put them on and off and how to check the condition of your skin.
Another mechanical method of keeping the legs compressed and improving blood speed is the intermittent pneumatic compression device. It is designed to inflate automatically at regular times forcing the blood to move through your legs.
There are some risks associated with stockings and compression devices too, such as discomfort, blisters, ulceration, most commonly if incorrectly fitted. The risk increases if you have poor leg circulation. Also, some people may be allergic to the materials these devices are made from. Let a member of your healthcare team know when you feel uncomfortable or there are signs of leg ulcers or pain in your calves.
Medication treatment
The medication that is usually used in such situations is that which decreases your blood’s chances of clotting. There is a wide choice of both injections and oral drugs that can be selected, your healthcare team will make a decision in that direction with regards to your situation. This medication is not usually give when you are bleeding or at high risk of bleeding.
How to help reducing your risks of DVT?
It is recommended to take walks as often as you can if you are able to. In case you need to stay in bed or chair, try to move your legs and feet but do not cross them because that puts pressure on the veins and stops the blood flow.
Keep well hydrated, do not refuse liquids in the limits of your recommended daily intake dose. It is important to remember that your treatment doesn’t stop once you left the hospital and you need to continue these measures at home as well.
Inform your doctor immediately when you develop pain, swelling or redness in your leg or the veins on the surface of your leg appear bigger than before. The signs of pulmonary embolism, a potential complication of DVT, include shortness of breath, pain in the chest and upper back, coughing up blood. This is a serious condition, please call an ambulance immediately or head to your nearest Emergency Department as soon as possible.
You might be interested in:
- Death can be predicted by heart rate in patients with stable heart disease
- Heart attack controlled by Fish Oil and Vitamin E
- The benefits of walk and running in heart attack prevention
- How to reduce chances of having a heart attack?
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