Know Your Risk of Deep-Vein Thrombosis

March is officially DVT Awareness Month, and Northeast Georgia Medical Center takes this opportunity to remind community members to know your risk of developing Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and its potentially fatal complication, pulmonary embolism (PE).

According to the American Heart Association, DVT affects up to 2 million Americans annually. Of those who develop PE, up to 200,000 will die each year- more than from breast cancer and AIDS combined. Yet, a national survey sponsored by the American Public Health Association found that most Americans (74 percent) are unaware of DVT.

"We are proud to support this national campaign to increase awareness of the risk factors, signs and symptoms of DVT and PE," said Angela C. Edwards, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, with the Disease Management Office of Northeast Georgia Medical Center. "DVT Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity for the public as well as the healthcare community to learn about this preventable and often silent killer. Pairing increased awareness of the risk factors with appropriate preventative measures can reduce the incidence of this condition."

The national Coalition to Prevent DVT has spearheaded DVT Awareness Month efforts since its launch in March 2003, reaching more than 750 million people to date. Melanie Bloom, widow of NBC correspondent David Bloom, serves as the Coalition's national patient spokesperson. She educates audiences of healthcare professionals, consumers and members of the media about DVT and advocates awareness of the risk factors and symptoms. David Bloom was embedded with the 3rd Infantry Division in Iraq when he suddenly collapsed and died from a PE in 2003.

About Deep-Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

DVT is a medical condition that occurs when a thrombus (blood clot) forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower limbs, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. It may be caused by a variety of risk factors and triggering events, including cancer, prior DVT, increasing age, obesity, stroke, major surgery, smoking, pregnancy, oral contraceptives or respiratory failure. The condition may result in health complications, such as PE and even death if not diagnosed and treated effectively.

DVT symptoms may include tenderness, pain, swelling and discoloration or redness of the affected limb. Anyone experiencing these symptoms, especially if they fall into one of the risk categories, should immediately seek medical attention.

Pulmonary embolism can occur when a blood clot or fragment of it breaks loose from the wall of the vein and migrates to the lungs, where it blocks a pulmonary artery or one of its branches. PE signs and symptoms may include: shortness of breath, chest pain, increased heart rate, sweating, coughing/coughing up blood and fainting. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

At Northeast Georgia Medical Center, surgical pathways and many disease specific order sets have been revised to include risk reduction measures for DVT, according to Edwards. These measures include: early ambulation, the use of TED Hose and/or SCD's (Sequential Compression Devices) which promote blood flow, and blood thinning drugs.

For more information about DVT, visit www.preventdvt.org.