March is Blood Clot Awareness Month

 

Blood clots affect up to 900,000 Americans each year — and of that number, up to 100,000 lives are lost. Despite their prevalence, blood clots are frequently missed or diagnosed too late, in part because symptoms can be subtle, unexpected, or mistaken for other conditions. Increasing awareness helps people recognize warning signs sooner, ask the right questions, and take timely action — all of which can save lives.

Each March, the National Blood Clot Alliance observes Blood Clot Awareness Month to raise awareness about blood clots. Their theme this year is Strong Enough to Ask – A Campaign to Stop the Clot, which reframes strength as self-advocacy. The campaign focuses recognizing when something doesn’t feel right, trusting your instincts, and speaking up before a blood clot becomes life-threatening.

What is a blood clot?
A blood clot is a gel-like mass of blood that forms in a vein or artery. While clots play an important role in stopping bleeding after injury, they can also form when they aren’t needed. These abnormal clots can block blood flow and lead to serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Who can get a blood clot?
Blood clots can affect anyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, race, gender, or activity level. However, certain health conditions, life events, and situations can increase risk. Knowing your personal risk factors can help you recognize symptoms sooner and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

Other risks, including a family history of blood clots, people 55 or older, injury or trauma, and estrogen-based contraception or hormone therapy. Long-term diseases, such as heart conditions or diabetes are also risk factors. You can take a risk assessment here.

Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of a DVT include swelling, usually in one leg (or arm); pain or tenderness not caused by injury; reddish or bluish skin discoloration; and/or skin that is warm to the touch. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of these DVT symptoms.

Common signs and symptoms of a PE include shortness of breath; chest pain that’s sharp; faster than normal or irregular heartbeat; unexplained cough, sometimes with blood; and/or low blood pressure or lightheadedness. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience any of these PE symptoms.

Click here for more signs and symptoms of blood clots in greater detail.

Learn more about blood clots
To learn more about blood clots -- including how to spot and prevent them -- go to the StoptheClot website. If you have any questions about DVT, you're welcome to contact the Vein Healthcare Center.

Be aware of DVT and travel safely this summer

Summer may be BBQ season, but it’s also the time when people travel long distances in planes, trains, and automobiles. For us in vein healthcare, that means increased risks of Deep Vein Thombosis, or DVT.

The deep vein system carries about 80% of blood from the feet back up to the heart. Deep veins are located under the muscle and connective tissue layers in the legs. A blood clot in a deep vein can be dangerous because the high pressure in the system could cause the clot to break free from the vein wall and enter the blood stream. The DVT could then travel up through the legs into another part of the body such as the lungs, where it would become a pulmonary embolism (PE).

DVT or PE symptoms are often misinterpreted as something less serious. A blood clot in the leg may feel like a “charley horse,” shin splints, or a twisted ankle. Symptoms from PE are often attributed to a pulled muscle in the chest, costochondritis (inflammation of the joint between ribs and breast bone), asthma, or a “touch of pneumonia.”

So what are some of the signs to look for? For DVT, the leg may be warm to the touch; swelling in the leg (can also occur in the arm); leg (or arm) pain or tenderness; reddish or bluish skin discoloration.

For PE, be aware of a sudden shortness of breath; sharp, stabbing chest pain (may get worse with deep breath); rapid heart rate or breathing; feeling lightheaded or fainting; unexplained coughing, sometimes with bloody mucus.

In half of DVT and PE cases, no symptoms present at all—but both conditions are medical emergencies. Any of these symptoms should be regarded as a DVT or PE until proven otherwise, especially if someone is in a risk category (including whether there is a history of blood clots in your family).

Awareness is key-- and so is prevention. When traveling long distances, stay well hydrated, stretch legs your legs and pump your feet periodically, avoid or moderate alcohol and caffeine, and consider wearing graduated compression stockings on your trip.

To find out more about DVT and other vein issues, contact us at the Vein Healthcare Center. We will evaluate your vein health — including spider veins, varicose veins, and leg ulcers.

Athletes and blood clots

In our last post we told you about World Thrombosis Day, and before that we talked about the effect of athletic activity on veins. Now we take a look at the topic of athletes and deep vein thrombosis, or DVT.

Deep veins are located under the muscle and connective tissue layers in the legs. A blood clot in a deep vein—known as deep vein thrombosis, or DVT—can be dangerous because the high pressure in the system could cause the clot to break free from the vein wall and enter the blood stream. The DVT could then travel up through the legs into another part of the body such as the lungs, where it would become a pulmonary embolism (PE).

           

DVT or PE symptoms are often misinterpreted as something less serious. A blood clot in the leg may feel like a “Charlie horse,” shin splints, or a twisted ankle. Symptoms from PE are often attributed to a pulled muscle in the chest, asthma, or a “touch of pneumonia.”

           

In half of DVT and PE cases, no symptoms present at all—but both conditions are medical emergencies. Any of these symptoms should be regarded as a DVT or PE until proven otherwise, especially if someone is in a risk category (including whether there is a history of blood clots in your family).

Remember, being active and fit does not prevent someone from developing blood clots. Athletes, coaches, and trainers should be aware of these risk factors:

·       Traveling long distances to and from a sports competition

·       Dehydration (during and after a strenuous sporting event)

·       Significant trauma

·       Immobilization (in a brace or cast)

·       Bone fracture or major surgery

·       Family history of DVT or PE

·       Presence of an inherited or acquired clotting disorder

Treatment of blood clots depends on many variables, including your health background and the extent and location of the clot. And, of course, prevention is the best medicine. Go to our latest issue of Vein Health News to learn more.

Running on all cylinders

This Saturday the Vein Healthcare Center is co-sponsoring the South Portland MAINEiacs first-ever 5K run, just around the corner from the VHC offices!

We’ve had running, exercise, and athletes on our mind lately, as our latest issue of Vein Health News is hot off the press. In our cover story package, we look at how exercise affects veins (and vice versa); whether athletic compression is worth considering; and how even athletes could be affected by DVT.

Click here to read more about athletes and veins. And get out and enjoy a walk or run in the increasingly crisp autumn air!

Life after DVT

The goal for treatment of DVT is to prevent the blood clot from getting bigger and breaking loose, as well as to reduce the chances of another DVT (about one-third of DVT patients will have a recurrence within 10 years). Treatment can include anticoagulation medications (blood thinners) and graduated compression stockings. 

Among people who have had a DVT, one-third experience something called post-thrombotic syndrome, or PTS. Symptoms of PTS include swelling, redness, chronic leg pain, and ulcers. PTS can be expensive to treat and the pain and discomfort it causes can make it extremely difficult for people to get around.

Those with DVT should wear graduated compression stockings on a daily basis, since several studies strongly suggest that they can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing PTS. In fact, according to the American College of Chest Physicians, wearing compression stockings for two years following DVT reduces the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome by half.

Unlike insufficiency in the superficial venous system, there is no FDA-approved treatment for PTS besides compression stockings and supportive care. 

Of course the best way to prevent PTS is to never have a blood clot in the first place. If you think you might have a DVT, get to the emergency room as soon as you can. In most cases, the affected area— usually in the leg— will be painful, swollen or tender, with a redness or discoloration of the skin. Even a muscle cramp that feels especially sharp and painful can be an indication of DVT. Early detection can go a long way toward preserving your quality of life-- or even saving your life.

Education, of course, is key to preventing this very common disease. Here are a few resources where you can learn more:

• http://www.StopTheClot.org
• http://www.PreventDVT.org
• http://www.ThisIsSerious.org
• http://www.CDC.gov/features/thrombosis

How compression can help-- and help prevent-- DVT

In addition to managing both acute and chronic DVT, compression can be a tool for prevention. When there are risk factors for DVT, such as long distance car or plane travel, immobility, or pregnancy, wearing compression stockings can reduce its occurrence. 

What do we mean by compression? Graduated compression stockings provide a gradient of pressure against the leg. The pressure is highest at the foot and ankle and gradually decreases as the garment rises up the leg. This pressure gradient makes it easier for the body to pump blood up towards the heart (the normal direction) and more difficult for gravity to pull blood downward.

Compression stockings require a prescription and can be purchased at many pharmacies, most major medical supply stores, and specialty stores. Your doctor can tell you if you need knee-highs, thigh-highs, or a “pantyhose” style. 

These days, compression stockings are fashionable, comfortable, and come in a wide variety of styles and colors. Though modern compression stockings usually look like socks or tights, putting them on can be a challenge. 

It’s important to note that “TED hose”— the “anti-embolic" stockings that are often worn after surgery to help prevent DVT— are not the same as graduated compression stockings. TED hose work well for patients who are bed bound, but won’t offer much benefit to patients who are up and walking.

There are many benefits to using graduated compression therapy besides reduced risk factors for DVT, but be sure to consult your physician first. Compression is not appropriate for all patients and can actually have adverse affects on patients with peripheral arterial disease.

To learn more about DVT, read our previous posts.

March is DVT Awareness Month

More than 1,240 Mainers succumb to DVT- (deep vein thrombosis) and PE-related (pulmonary embolism) deaths every year, according to the Mayo Clinic. And this estimate is likely on the low side.

In fact, the annual mortality rate of blood clots is greater than yearly deaths in the U.S. from breast cancer, AIDS and automobile accidents combined. Though most people know about these issues, DVT is still under-recognized. 

March is DVT and Blood Clot Awareness Month. It's a chance for the medical community to educate the public about a medical condition that affects approximately two million Americans annually.

All month long we'll be taking a closer look at DVT: what it is, who is at risk, and what you can do to prevent ever getting one.

So what is DVT? Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in the deep vein system. The danger is that the clot could break free from the vein wall and enter into the blood stream. The clot could then travel to the lungs and become a PE (pulmonary embolism), or to the brain and result in a stroke. DVT-related PE is the leading cause of preventable death in U.S. hospitals.

Anyone can get a DVT and at any age. Certain groups, however are at a greater risk of developing a life-threatening blood clot. 

• Those with prolonged immobility or no mobility, like patients in the hospital or on bed rest, or long-distance travelers (so-called “economy class syndrome”)
• People with blood-clotting issues, like those with a genetic disorder, or cancer patients undergoing surgical procedures
• Patients with damage to their vein walls because of surgery or injury
• Pregnant women are more susceptible to DVT because of hormonal changes
• Seniors 

This is, by no means, a complete list of risks, and it's important to remember that risk factors can be compounded. For example, combining an existing blood clot disorder with immobility can dramatically raise the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Having risk factors does not mean that you will surely get a DVT-- rather, you should be proactive about prevention.

Take this month to learn more about DVT, take an online risk assessment, and ask your physician if you may be at risk.

Should You Be Worried About “Economy Class Syndrome”?

Concerns about blood clots as a result of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) increase during summer travel season. Blood clots can be dangerous, even fatal – but they can be prevented.

It’s the height of the summer and for many, July marks the beginning of travel season. It’s the time spent en route to vacation destinations that lead to concerns about “economy class syndrome,” a term used to describe leg symptoms that can occur as a result of long periods of immobility.

These extended periods of immobility can be associated with deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, a blood clot in the deep vein system. DVT can be cause for concern because the clot could break free from the vein wall and enter into the blood stream, traveling to the lungs and become a PE (pulmonary embolism), or to the brain and result in a stroke.

Though a familiar term to many, “economy class syndrome,” is actually a misnomer. DVT can occur in a plane, train or automobile, regardless of what class you’re sitting in. The point is that prolonged immobility can slow down circulation and lead to blood pooling in the legs, which significantly increases the risk of DVT.


Prevent DVT During Summer Travel

If you’re planning to go on a long flight (or road trip, for that matter), you can minimize the risk of DVT. First, stay hydrated. Then, make a point of walking in the aisles (or at the rest stop) occasionally. Finally, periodically do simple toe-tap exercises – that means tapping the feet for a minute or two, going back and forth between heels and toes. This “foot pump” squeezes the deep veins in the legs, forcing the blood to circulate.

By increasing mobility and making healthy blood flow a priority while you travel, you can help keep blood clots at bay this summer – and any time of year.

Are you at risk for DVT? Visit the Vein Healthcare Center to learn about the risks and steps toward prevention.

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention also offers more information about Deep Vein Thrombosis and its symptoms and risk factors.