What You Know About DVT Could Save Your Life (NAPSA)—Learning more about deep vein thrombosis, or DVT—a condition that affects two million Americans every year— could save yourlife. DVT is a blood clot that develops in the deep veinsof the legs or pelvic area or, on rare occasions, the arms. It is not usually life threatening but it can becomesoif a blood clot breaks loose, becoming a pulmonary embolism (PE). Many peo- ple in the U.S. die within thefirst hour after a PE occurs—and up to 200,000 Americansdie each year. WhoIs at Risk? According to the Vascular Disease Foundation, risk factors in- clude a lengthy surgery, pregnancy, being over age 40 and sedentary, cancer, use of birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, a family history of DVT, and spinal cord or other major injuries. Smokingalso increases the risk of DVT, as does obesity, long-distance travel and inherited clotting conditions. The more risk factors you have, the greater yourrisk. Signs and Symptoms of DVT Only about half the people with DVT havetypical symptoms. When symptoms do occur, the most common are swelling of one leg, pain or tenderness, skin that is warm to the touch, fullness of the veins just beneath the skin and change in the color of the leg (bluish or very pale). Symptoms like these can develop slowly or suddenly. If you have these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Signs and Symptomsof PE The symptoms of pulmonary embolism occur quickly and need prompt medical attention. They include shortness of breath, sharp chest pain (usually occurring with inhalation), a feeling of apprehen- How To Reduce Your Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis Stay active. Walking helps circulation and helps weightloss, too. Stop smoking! Discuss the risks of birth controlor hormonereplacementtherapy with your health care provider. e If you are hospitalized, ask the doctor whatcan be doneto decrease yourrisk of DVT. e Find outif you have a family history of abnormal blood clotting. Onlongairline or auto trips, get up and walk every hour orso.Flex yourfeet. Raise up on yourtoes. Avoid alcohol. Drink plenty of fluids. sion or anxiety, sudden collapse, rapid pulse, coughing, sweating, and bloody phlegm. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a health care professional immediately. Anticoagulants or blood thinners such as Coumadin’, heparin or newer heparin derivatives are effective at helping the body clear the DVT andprevent a PE. “Prevention is the best medicine for DVT or PE,” said Alain Drooz, M.D., president of the Vascular Disease Foundation. “By being active, keeping well hydrated and proactively discussing your risks with your doctor, you may be able to prevent clots from forming and jeopardizing your health.” For more information, visit the Vascular Disease Foundation at www.vdf.org or call (888) VDF4INFO.
