Wednesday, March 14, 2012

DVT? what's that to me?

DVT? What’s that to me?


DVT is not a new form of cable or live TV recording or the latest all terrain vehicle. It’s a medical condition. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein. The DVT usually becomes fatal when it travels from the deep vein and travels to the lungs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, in the United States up to 600,000 people are diagnosed annually with DVT. One third of those diagnosed die (usually within a month of diagnosis), one third have a reoccurrence, and another third will have long term complications.

Can anyone get a DVT? DVT is not obsolete for any age but increasing age is a risk factor. Other risk factors include hospitalization for an illness, recent surgery or trauma such as a fracture or sprain, history of a clotting disorder, cancer and cancer treatments, pregnancy and the first 6 weeks after delivery, birth control or hormone replacement products, family history of DVT, extended bed rest, obesity, smoking and prolonged sitting when traveling.

How do I know if I have a DVT? DVT is often diagnosed with an ultrasound when commons symptoms appear such as recent swelling of the limb, unexplained pain or tenderness, redness of the skin, or skin that may be warm to the touch in a localized area.

If you have any of these symptoms, it is an emergency and you should seek medical attention immediately.

Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent DVT’s. When traveling, get up and walk around every 2-3 hours, wear loose fitting clothes, and drink plenty of water.

Research is ongoing to further define the cause, treatment and prevention of DVT. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/blooddisorders.

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