Hyderabad 31st March, 2019 : Dr NarendranadhMeda, in association with KIMS Hospitals and vascular society of India conducted the second edition of the ‘DVT awareness walk 2019’to spread awareness about early detection and prevention of deep vein thrombosis on march 31st at 6.30 a.m. from KBR Park. Sri Jitender, additional DGP(law and order) has flagged off the walk. Vascular surgeons of the city came together for the cause.
Other major corporate hospitals also have joined the cause. Around number of doctors, paramedical staff and general public have attended the walk.
“March is deep-vein thrombosis awareness month, a public health initiative aimed at raising awareness of this commonly occurring medical condition and its potentially fatal complication, pulmonary embolism. Together we can increase awareness and save lives,* said Dr Narendranadh Meda, Consultant vascular surgeon, KIMS Hospitals.
“A study conducted in south India showed incidence of 17 per 10,000 of general population. However, the incidence increases to 54% in high risk groups, especially post trauma and hip and knee surgery, cancer patients,” he added.
After the flag off, Mr. Jitender said, “There is a tremendous need for greater awareness and education about DVT related issues. This walk is to advocate the importance of health and educating the public about risk factors and symptoms, need of health screenings. Events like these will help educate public about the importance to know the signs and get treated right away. I am glad to be a part of this walk. So, it is always advisable to better be safe than safe.”
It is estimated that 2 million people are affected annually By DVT, more commonly known as blood clots. Yet, most (74 percent) have little or no awareness of DVT, according to a survey by the American Public Health Association Blood clot (DVT) is a potentially serious condition, because it can cause pulmonary thromboembolism which is fatal. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot develops in the deep veins, most commonly in the lower extremities. A part of the clot can break off and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be life threatening. It is important to have awareness regarding the nature of disease and its prevention to avoid fatal complications like pulmonary thromboembolism (PE). It is estimated that about 15% of overall sudden deaths are attributed to pulmonary embolism.
VTE (Venous thromboembolism) is often recurrent, and long-term complications, such as post-thrombotic syndrome after a DVT or chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension after a PE, are frequent.
WHO IS AT RISK?
You are more likely to develop DVT if you are over 40 years old and obese.
DVT is favoured by three factors: (i) conditions causing blood stagnation in the deep veins, (ii) if the blood is unusually “thick” or “sticky” (as occurs in various hyper coagulable states) and (iii) following an injury to the internal lining of a vein. Risk factors are mostly related to immobility,
Such conditions are:
prolonged immobilization (during a hospital admission, a long travel by airplane or coach - the “economy class syndrome” etc)
previous episode of DVT, family history of DVT
Thrombophilia
malignancy (cancer) or previous malignancy
operation or trauma, especially of hips, knees, abdomen or chest
myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease
Also increased risk run women who:
take oestrogens (contraceptive pills, hormone replacement therapy)
pregnant and Post delivery. Pregnant woman are six times more likely to get life- threatening blood clots.
What should I do to prevent blood clots?
If you fall into any of the high risk groups it better to use prophylactic measures such as using compression stocking, pneumatic calf pumps or prophylactic use of blood thinner.
You should avoid standing for long periods of time and having a sedentary life. If you need to remain seated, don’t sit with the legs bent for hours, but stretch your legs out from time to time, and move your feet up and down at the ankles or stand up and stretch your legs.
If you are planning to have surgery - Appropriate measures of prophylaxis will be taken by your surgeon depending upon your risk for DVT. These may include anticoagulation, anti- thromboembolism stockings, early ambulation etc.
If you are planning to travel - Do not wear tight clothes. Move your feet up and down at the ankles, stretch your legs and go for a walk up and down the aisle. Do not get dehydrated: drink plenty of water. If you are a person at high risk for DVT, ask your doctor if you need to use compression stockings during your travel or even have anticoagulant injections.
Last but most important tip is - quit smoking.
