Focusing on the perils of deep vein thrombosis
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Many Americans don’t follow instructions from their own physicians -- those doctors already familiar with them and their predilections -- so it might seem naive to assume they’re going to hit the books to learn about a particular form of blood clot simply because a honcho physician in D.C. tells them to do so.
But the problems caused by such clots are real and can be devastating, and acting Surgeon Gen. Steven K. Galson is apparently counting on our own enlightened self-interest to help us protect ourselves -- hence his Call to Action to reduce the number of deep vein thromboses and pulmonary embolisms.
Issued today, the call is meant to raise awareness -- among consumers and healthcare workers -- about how to prevent the conditions. In it, he states:
‘Estimates suggest that at least 350,000, and as many as 600,000, Americans each year contract DVT/PE, and at least 100,000 deaths are thought to be related to these diseases each year. Many of those who survive have complications that have a serious and negative impact on the quality of their lives. Without the joint efforts of all stakeholders, including clinicians and families, the problem will only worsen as the population ages.’
A deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms deep in the body, usually in the veins of the lower leg or thigh, leading to pain and swelling in the general area. Sometimes the clot can break loose, traveling through the bloodstream until it gets to the lungs. Then it can really do damage. The resulting pulmonary embolism blocks blood flow and can lead to death.
The condition has received increasing attention in recent years, and we now know that individuals can do much to reduce their own risk. So if you’re inclined to do your homework, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is here to help. It’s offering a free consumer booklet, ‘Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Blood Clots,’ in English and in Spanish. For clinicians, it’s offering Preventing Hospital-Acquired Venous Thromboembolism: A Guide for Effective Quality Improvement.
To prevent blood clots, the patient guide states:
* Wear loose-fitting clothes, socks or stockings. * Raise your legs 6 inches above your heart from time to time. * Wear special stockings (called compression stockings) if your doctor prescribes them. * Change your position often, especially during a long trip. * Eat less salt. * Do not use pillows under your knees. * Raise the bottom of your bed 4 to 6 inches with blocks or books.
More tips are available in the handy guides, the first of which is 12 pages; the second, 60. If you decide not to peruse either guide, keep these facts in mind:
People who are overweight are more at risk for the condition. So are women who use hormones. Smokers. African Americans. Whites. And people older than 50.
Prolonged inactivity (plane rides, bed rest etc.) can increase the likelihood of problems as well.
-- Tami Dennis