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Introduction
Key Points about Deep-Vein Thrombosis3
Awareness
- Deep-vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein in the body. If it moves to the lung, it can rapidly become fatal.
- Only about half the people with deep-vein clots have symptoms
- DVT clots in the thigh are more serious than those in the lower leg, because
of the greater risk that they will move to the lung
Diagnosis and Treatment
- DVT is not a "watchful waiting" condition. Prompt action is necessary if a
clot is even suspected
- Simple tests can identify the location of the clot
- The goal of treatment is to keep the clot from enlarging, to keep it from
breaking off in the vein and traveling to the lung, and reducing the chance of
developing another clot
- Several conditions increase the chances for DVT such as cancer
An increasing numbers of airline travelers have become aware of their risk
for developing blood clots in their legs during their trips. Airline
magazines and newspaper articles encourage leg and foot exercises during
a flight as well as walking around. But, the threat of developing a
blood clot is not limited to air travel. Train or car travel, sitting
for hours in front of a computer or television or confined to bed rest
after surgery, or having certain conditions such as cancer, increases
the chances for blood clots.
Technically, venous thrombosis is a term used to describe a condition
that involves a dangerous blood clot deep within the body's large veins.
In the leg, pelvis, or arm, a clot is called deep-vein thrombosis (DVT).
If the clot breaks off and travels to the lung, the condition is called
pulmonary embolism and can be life-threatening.
Potentially fatal, venous thrombosis is little understood by the public
and under-recognized by health care professionals, especially when
treating older adults with complex medical issues. A survey by the
American Public Health Association found that 74% of Americans have
little or no awareness of deep vein thrombosis, and less than half could
identify the factors contributing to the condition.4
Concern for DVT grows as:
- Joint replacements have become a more common surgery. Although this
surgery can assist older Americans to maintain active lifestyles in
their later years, orthopedic surgery can cause restricted movement
during the surgery and the healing process
- Increasing numbers of adults enter their later years
- Growing numbers of older adults who may not be able to participate
in enough physical activity
The benefits of increased awareness among health care professionals include
improved patient safety, better
quality of life, a lower number of cases and death linked to venous
thrombosis, reduced hospital costs, and better use of medical resources.5
3 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. (undated) What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis? Fact sheet. Available on the World Wide Web: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Dvt/DVT_All.html.
4 American Public Health Association. (2002) Deep-Vein Thrombosis Omnibus Survey conducted by Wirthlin Worldwide.
5 CLOT (Cost-Lowering Options for Optimizing Thromboprevention)
Clinical Consensus Panel (Dec. 1, 2004) "Optimizing
Anticoagulation Technology in the Hospital Setting - Safe and
Cost-Effective Strategies for Thrombosis Prevention and
Treatment" Hospital Medical Consensus Reports. Available on the World Wide Web:
www.clinicalconsensusreports.com/Secure/CLOT122004.pdf#search='Findings%20and%20Recommendations%20of%20The%20CLOT%20(CostLowering%20Options%20for%20Optimizing%20Thromboprophylaxis)%20Clinical%20Consensus%20Panel'.
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