Healthy living
Body matters
Charity warns of DVT risks
Lifeblood, the Thrombosis Charity, says people going into hospital should take steps to cut their risk of blood clots
Most people already know that frequent or long-haul flights may put them at greater risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), when a blood clot blocks a major vein or artery.
However, the fact that patients in hospital are at the greatest risk of all may be something of a surprise. The risk of developing a fatal blood clot rises eightfold when people are admitted and the most common cause of DVT is a surgical operation that lasts for more than 30 minutes.
To mark National Thrombosis Week (May 7 to 12 2007), Lifeblood, The Thrombosis Charity, has produced a new poster and leaflet highlighting the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of DVT while in hospital.
A government report has just recommended that a risk assessment should be undertaken for every new hospital patient. People at increased risk include anyone with a history of clotting, who is immobile, has a chronic illness or who is on certain medications, including the pill.
Dr Beverley Hunt, Medical Director for Lifeblood says: ‘What is so sad is that this is a preventable condition and the routine risk assessment will go a long way to reducing some of the deaths.’
Someone who has thrombosis is at risk from an embolism that occurs when part of the clot breaks off and travels around the body, eventually blocking an artery. The effects depend on where that artery is in the body: pulmonary embolism the clot lodges in a lung artery; a clot in an artery of the heart can cause a heart attack; in the brain, it can result in a stroke.
DVT affects about one in 2000 people every year in the UK. Watching TV for long periods of time, enjoying an alcoholic drink or a cigarette and being overweight can all increase your risk of getting a blood clot. The typical symptoms are swollen calves that are tender and painful, but sometimes there are no symptoms at all.
Top tips for avoiding DVT
- Avoid long periods of immobility. If you do spend large parts of the day sitting down make sure you get up regularly and exercise your muscles. Even better take a 30-minute brisk walk every day.
- If you are going into hospital for surgery, ask your doctor about the risks. You may be given an anticoagulant just before the operation to help prevent DVT.
- On long plane or train journeys take little walks up and down the aisle. Compression stockings can also reduce the risk.
- Stop smoking and cut back on alcohol.
- Maintain a healthy weight for your height.
More information
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
