DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), a condition most individuals have no awareness of (74% according to a survey taken by the American Public Health Association), yet annual 2 million Americans are affected by it. According to the American Heart Association of that number 300,000 will die, a number greater than those that die from breast cancer and AIDS combined.
So what is DVT and what can you do about it. DVT is a condition that happens when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a large vein causing the circulation to be blocked either partially or completely. There are a number of risk factors and/or events that can lead to this condition (cancer, obesity, lack of mobility (long road or airplane trips), major surgery, stroke, family history, pregnancy, heart and/or respiratory conditions, hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills or a previous DVT).
Symptoms of a DVT include pain and/or tenderness in the leg, especially accompanied by redness or discoloration. DVT can lead to a major complication called pulmonary embolism (PE) which can be fatal so it is important to become familiar with the risk factors and how to assess your risk. The following link has a set of question that will help you and your family members determine the risk
http://www.preventdvt.org/riskFactors/asse... Remember you are your best defense when it comes to prevention of illness and disease. Advocate for yourself and your family and by all means if you feel something isn’t right…don’t just ignore it because you are worried about being wrong…it is far better to be wrong and speak up than dead right.
March is National DVT Awareness Month...check with your local health department or hospital to see if they will be sponsoring an event..and if they are not suggest it. Also the Prevent DVT organization is doing a tour around the US that will be doing screening and provide information. For a copy of their schedule send me an email info@mypearlsofhealth.com and I will be happy to send the document of their schedule to you.
Posted By: Belinda Anderson
Tuesday, March 10th 2009 at 4:39PM
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