Deep Vein Thrombosis: Its true, Joe Kiani founder of the patient Safety Movement Foundation, https://patientsafetymovement.org/speaker/joe-kiani/ said venous thrombo-embolism, consisting of, Deep Vein Thrombosis / DVT is (a blood clot formation in a deep vein, usually in the leg.) According to Joe Kiani https://patientsafetymovement.org/speaker/joe-kiani “The most common source of embolism is blood clot (thrombus) from the periphery, usually from the leg veins. These venous clots can break loose from the walls of the vein in which they were formed (e.g., the saphenous vein) and thus enter the circulation. This mechanism of “Deep Venous Thrombosis” or “DVT” is the subject of APSS 12A.”
And
Pulmonary Embolism PE
is (a blood clot that travels to the lungs), are most common and PREVENTABLE cause of hospital-related deaths.
According to Kiani, “it’s estimated that more than 50,000 patient deaths in the USA are attributed to PE.” “Example when a blood clot travels to the lungs, patients have 30 percent to 60 percent chance of dying from it.”
Let’s make sure you understand what this means.
DVT stands for Deep Vein Thrombosis
, this happens when a blood clots forms in a deep vein, usually the leg. This is common for individuals to get by sitting or lying down for LONG PERIODS of time, or during long plane flights or traveling. If you DO NOT move enough, the blood flow in your legs slows down and pools. This can cause a blood clot to form in the pooled blood.
Symptoms to look for:
- Pain
- Redness of the skin
- Warmth of the skin
- Swelling of the area
PE stands for Pulmonary Embolism
, this happens if blood clots break’s off and travels through your bloodstream to your lungs. The clot can block a blood vessel in your lungs, which can cause damage to them.
Symptoms to look for:
- Chest pain, which could get worse when you breathe deeply
- Coughing
- Coughing up blood
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid shallow breathing
- Shortness of breathe
- Rapid or Irregular heartbeat
What and How can you help Prevent DVT & VTE
- Avoid standing or sitting in one position, long periods of time
- Un-cross your legs while sitting-it prevents good blood flow (women are especially bad to this)
- Keep your weight gain down as much as possible – (Obesity) increases risk of DVT
- Avoid cigarette smoking – Increases risk of DVT
- Wear compression socks or stockings – they provide gentle pressure on your legs to prevent swelling and to keep your blood from clotting. They truly help prevent DVT and PE.
- Exercise – staying active can prevent blood clots from forming
Being that it’s Summer, If you’re thinking about Traveling – it is MOST IMPORTANT to be proactive, if you’re planning a (long distance) trip, especially flying, for your health and well-being consider wearing of Travel socks or Travel stockings, to minimize the risk of embolisms and the risk of DVT. It’s been suggested, even to continue to wear your Travel Support Stockings the next day after your arrival at your destination, to ensure your legs have good circulation.
Stockings & Socks
Socks
If you have medical questions and concerns, and think you may have some of the symptons relating to DVT & PE, be sure to speak to your pharmacist or your medical physician.
Written by admin on July 18th, 2018