Deep Vein Thrombosis- Concept Introduction

It is estimated that 1 out of every 1,000 people develops deep vein thrombosis each year. A deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a vein, deep in the body. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) refers to the formation of a blood clot or thrombus within a vein commonly in the thigh or calf. The blood clot can either partially or completely block the flow of blood in the vein.

DVT affects mainly the veins in the lower leg and the thigh. It involves the formation of a clot (thrombus) in the larger veins of the area. This thrombus may interfere with circulation or it may break off and travel through the blood stream (embolize). The embolus thus created can lodge in the brain, lungs, heart, or other area, causing severe damage to that organ. . DVT can also cause a miscarriage or stillbirth if a blood clot breaks free and lodges in an artery in the placenta, reducing the oxygen supply to the fetus.

Risk factors that may cause DVT include prolonged sitting, bed rest or immobilization (such as on a long plane or car trips), recent surgery or injury (especially hip, knee or gynecological surgery), a fracture, childbirth within the last 6 months and the use of medications such as oestrogen and birth control pills. DVT is more common in the elderly and the overweight, but healthy young people can develop it as well. Although anyone can develop DVT on a flight, certain people are more vulnerable, including pregnant women, people who are overweight, those whose feet don't reach the floor, smokers and those with coronary artery diseases and certain blood conditions. Any one suffering from DVT can have following symptoms that include:

- Leg pain or tenderness in one leg only
- Swelling (oedema) of only one leg
- Increased warmth
- Changes in skin colour, redness

People suffering from DVT need to take few precautions to avoid it, they are:-

- Avoid knee socks or hosiery that might limit blood flow through the leg

- Do not cross ankles or legs while sitting or lying

- Avoid prolonged sitting or standing in one position

- While resting, keep moving your legs, and bending your ankles and toes.

- Drink plenty of water during the flight, and avoid alcohol, to ensure you do not become dehydrated.

- When sitting for long periods of time you should curl or press your toes down, this will cause the muscles to contract and squeeze on the leg veins. This helps pump the blood along.

- When traveling by car, don't take a 10-hour trip without stopping every couple of hours. Get out and walk a bit, even if you are the driver.

- Another way to help move blood to the heart is to wear compression stockings, which put gentle pressure on the leg muscles. According to the American Health Association, wearing compression stockings minimizes the risk of developing DVT after long flights. Compression stockings are available at medical supply stores.

Source: futurehealthcare Contributed by: DMSMedwire Research JSG Team