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.
No comments :
Post a Comment