October 13, 2014 is the first-ever World Thrombosis Day, a chance for people around the world to learn a little about what's more commonly known as "blood clots."
For a quick review on blood clots--what they are, how to spot them, and how to stop them--check out this article in the Bangor Daily News by Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen, founder of the Vein Healthcare Center.
Dr. Asbjornsen also wrote a guest post for Diane Atwood's popular health blog Catching Health. There, you can learn about this man:
And listen to this conversation with Dr. Asbjornsen and two of her colleagues, on an episode of Maine Calling from earlier this year: "Advances in Treating and Detecting Blood Clots."
Finally, go to the World Thrombosis Day website to get all the facts. Reducing your risk begins by educating yourself.
Showing posts with label blog clot in leg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blog clot in leg. Show all posts
Monday, October 13, 2014
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
The calf pump
Is “the calf pump” a new dance all the kids are doing? No, it
has something to do with veins, of course! Namely, making sure the circulation
in your legs is working properly.
As summer draws to a close, many people are returning from
vacation, driving in their cars, or hopping a long flight home. In order to
prevent deep vein thrombosis (known as DVT), try the foot pump, in the car or
on the plane.
It’s a simple toe-tap
exercise: tap your feet for a minute or two, going back and forth between heels
and toes. This squeezes the deep veins in the legs and forces the blood to
circulate through the leg. It also feels good after sitting for a long period
of time. Do the foot pump (on each foot) every half-hour or so.
Also, don’t forget to
stay hydrated, preferably with water. And try to take a brief walk in the airplane aisles (or at the
rest stop) occasionally to keep the blood flowing.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
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.
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.
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:
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Blood Clots Can Strike Long-distance Travelers, Patients on Bed Rest
Phlebologist Shares Prevention Techniques to Prevent Deadly Clots
Deep vein thrombosis affects approximately 2 million Americans every year. What can you do to prevent DVT?
“The goals are to prevent the blood clot from getting bigger and breaking loose and to reduce the chances of another clot,” said Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen.
Dr. Asbjornsen is a nationally recognized vein specialist, member of the American College of Phlebology, and a board certified Phlebologist. She is the founder of the Vein Healthcare Center in South Portland and the Maine Phlebology Association. This month, which is DVT Awareness Month, Dr. Asbjornsen shared prevention techniques with the Bangor Daily News.
Recommendations include moving as soon as possible after an illness or injury, getting up to walk during travel or periods of sitting for more than four hours, and pumping your feet during times when you are on bed rest. Read more Dangerous Blood Clots Can Strike.
DVT is a serious, life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care but it can be prevented. Find out more about DVT.
Deep vein thrombosis affects approximately 2 million Americans every year. What can you do to prevent DVT?
“The goals are to prevent the blood clot from getting bigger and breaking loose and to reduce the chances of another clot,” said Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen.
Recommendations include moving as soon as possible after an illness or injury, getting up to walk during travel or periods of sitting for more than four hours, and pumping your feet during times when you are on bed rest. Read more Dangerous Blood Clots Can Strike.
DVT is a serious, life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care but it can be prevented. Find out more about DVT.
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