Awareness walk for DVT

Vascular Surgeons of Hyderabad have come together and conducted a walk at Jalvihar to create awareness among masses about the Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots. The walk was held in association with Vascular Society of India. 400 people took part in the walk. March is observed all over the world as ‘DVT awareness month"; with the aim of raising awareness about deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), a preventable condition with life threatening complications.

DVT is a condition where a person develops blood clot in the veins running deep inside the leg muscles. The person develops pain in the calf muscles initially. The condition becomes serious when the clot travels to the heart and enters the lungs (pulmonary embolism) resulting in death.

According to centre for disease control and prevention it is estimated that 10 to 30% of people will die within one month of diagnosis if not intervened and treated immediately. Sudden death is the first symptom in about one-quarter (25%) of people who have a pulmonary embolism.

Dr Narendranadh Meda consultant vascular surgeon, KIMS Hospital told that “On an average out of every 10 cases in vascular OPD, two cases were of DVT or its complications.

According to American Heart Association on an average 1 person dies of blood clot in every 6 minutes. Pregnant women and new mothers are also highly susceptible. DVT is observed more in rural areas than in cities. One of the reasons for this is that women not drinking enough water. The concentration of the blood increases when the body is dehydrated and this increases the risk of blood coagulation (clotting). “It is preventable if those women drink enough water,” he says.

Calf exercises encourages them to walk early.

Deep breathing exercises should be taught to prevent blood clots.

Among people who have had a DVT, one-half will have long-term complications (post-thrombotic syndrome) such as swelling, pain, discoloration, and scaling in the affected limb.

One-third (about33%) of people with DVT/PE will have a recurrence within 10 years.

Normal population who are at high risk include the old, immobile patients, post stroke, persons with a history of cancer. Uncontrolled and unmonitored use of pills to enhance hormones and alter menstrual cycles and oral contraceptives in women can predispose to DVT.

Long flight journeys, or journey in cramped cars / buses can also predispose to DVT. It can be prevented by moving around whenever possible. If u cannot move around atleast moving legs and ankle can help in preventing blood stagnation resulting in DVT. Any swelling of leg, pain and redness within 1 to 2 weeks of long journey could be a sign of DVT. People with high risk factor should talk to their physician regarding the prophylaxis. Drinking adequate water, avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills during flight along with moving around will reduce the risk of DVT.