The formation of a clot (Thrombosis) in a deep vein (Vin) in the body is called Deep Vein Thrombosis(DVT). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a preventable problem that can result in death, is seen in tens of thousands of people every year in our country. Although it can be seen at any age, it reaches more serious levels with age, especially at the age of 60 and above.
Blood clotting is actually an extremely important and necessary self-defense mechanism for the continuation of life. We need blood clotting to stop bleeding from a cut area. However, clotting within a healthy vessel is an undesirable situation and may have serious consequences, including death, due to vascular occlusion caused by the clot. Clotting can occur in the arterial system and venous system. Heart attacks and strokes, which we hear frequently in daily life, are actually the result of clots in the arterial system. If the clotting occurs in the arteries of the heart, it may result in a heart attack, and if it occurs in the arteries of the brain, it may result in a stroke. Another serious clotting problem that is not as familiar as these two issues is DVT, which is the formation of clots in the venous system, especially in the legs.
“DVT (DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS) MAY CAUSE SUDDEN DEATH”
In this case, it may go away and result in sudden death in the lungs.
What is feared in patients with DVT is that the clot formed in the vein will break off and move into the vein (Emboli) and block the lung artery (Pulmonary Embolism). Pulmonary Embolism is the most common cause of preventable death in hospital. In pulmonary embolism, if the clot is large, sudden death occurs; if it is a small clot, it may dissolve and not cause any symptoms, or the patient may recover with treatment. In some of the recovered patients, the disease may become chronic and cause heart failure.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DVT?
When a blood clot occurs in the veins, that is, when a person develops DVT, half of the patients do not have any signs or symptoms. Especially if the clot formed is small or if the clot occurs in a small vessel, the disease may not be noticed as it will cause vague symptoms.
The most common signs and symptoms of DVT are; Pain, swelling, pain in the leg where the clot occurred There is an increase in temperature and complaints increase with walking. The calf of the patient's leg is tense and its diameter has increased significantly. Sensitivity may increase when you take the calf in your palm and squeeze it. In some severe patients, DVT may also disrupt the arterial circulation of the leg, leading to amputation of the leg. If the above symptoms indicating DVT in the leg are accompanied by chest pain, pain when taking deep breaths, air hunger and shortness of breath, it should be considered that the clot formed may have thrown into the lungs (Pulmonary Embolism).
In patients with DVT, even years later, it should be considered. Constant swelling, pain, varicose veins, skin spots and even wounds may be observed in the legs.
RISK FACTORS CAUSING THE FORMATION OF CLOTS;
After major orthopedic, urological and surgical surgeries, clots occur in the early period when the patient is immobile. The risk is high if certain drugs that prevent its formation are not used.
The frequency of DVT increases in medical conditions such as some genetically inherited blood diseases, changes/disruptions in the intravascular fluidity of the blood, a family member having DVT, hormone treatments.
Cancer patients are an important risk group and many of them die due to Pulmonary Embolism due to DVT.
The risk increases for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding periods. It also increases the risk of DVT with the use of birth control pills.
The risk increases in cases of long journeys, smoking, inactivity, diabetes and obesity. Smoking constricts the vessels and gathers cells that form clots in both arteries and veins.
More than 3 million people die every year in the world due to DVT. Every 37 seconds, 1 person dies due to Pulmonary Embolism due to DVT. Losses due to DVT are 30 thousand people per year in our country. Deaths due to DVT, one of the most important causes of death in Europe, are higher than deaths due to breast and lung cancer.
The clot is small but the risk is very high, we can all develop DVT at any time. People with a family history of smoking are at risk of serious DVT if they remain inactive for more than 4 hours, regardless of their age. However, DVT is a preventable and treatable disease. As long as the patient returns early Please consult a Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist. Public awareness and early awareness are very important to prevent deaths and negativities related to DVT.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT DVT?
It is important to do active and passive exercises during long journeys. One should take short walks during breaks every few hours in ground vehicles, and should get up and walk every hour on the plane. In addition, one should not consume heavy fatty foods, especially before long journeys, and should eat regularly and eat small and frequent meals during the journey. For people with high risk factors, it is possible to take precautions with a simple injection before the trip or with a medium-pressure knee-high compression stocking.
ATTENTION OFFICE WORKERS!
Office workers, called white-collar workers, use computers. They do their work sitting at their head. Children play computer games with their legs hanging motionless for hours. Obesity associated with these lifestyles has increased greatly in all age groups. As a result, clot formations and the injuries, workforce losses and deaths caused by them are increasing.
Today, the young population of office workers carries a serious risk of DVT. Employees and managers in the office environment should be especially careful about movement. The main goal should be to mobilize people who spend a long time at the desk. When you stand motionless for a long time or sit with your feet hanging for a long time, the risk of DVT occurs because the calf muscles do not work. Getting up from time to time and taking short walks or exercising the calf muscles with simple leg movements while sitting prevents this problem.
* Even if you do not have varicose veins, it is very useful to wear medium pressure below-the-knee varicose socks on days when you are inactive for a long time. I am not in the risk group, but when I stand still, I am in the risk group. I wear compression socks from morning to evening on the day of my long surgeries.
* Those who have the opportunity to walk should take short walks every hour, and those who cannot walk should exercise. The most effective office exercises are to exercise the calf muscles by moving the feet back and forth from the ankle. It should be done for 5 minutes every hour.
* Work in the office People should not consume excessive tea and coffee. Consuming more than 3-4 cups a day causes dehydration, which paves the way for clot formation.
*Wearing high-heeled shoes; It increases the risk of DVT because it prevents you from moving the calf muscles.
*Comfortable clothes should be worn in the office environment. If tight clothing is worn at groin level or above the knee, venous blood may be prevented from flowing from bottom to top. This situation becomes even more obvious if there is obesity. Blood cannot go up and pools in the legs.
*Obesity is a risk factor for DVT in itself. Because the increase in intra-abdominal pressure with increased weight prevents the blood in the legs from moving upwards towards the abdomen. Constipation, like obesity, increases intra-abdominal pressure and causes blood to pool and stagnate in the legs. There is a high risk of clots in blood pooling in the legs.
Families should control the time their children spend in front of the computer, and if they cannot prevent it, they should move their children every hour. If the frequency and importance of this danger are known to everyone, this issue will be reflected in school education.
I think we need to raise public awareness about this disease, prevent inactivity in all segments of society, and include movement in our daily lives.
Read: 0
