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March is Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month
Published: Sunday, March 22, 2009
Have you noticed the socks in the lobby? The socks are a result of various nursing units calling attention that March is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness Month. Up to 2 million Americans suffer from DVT every year. DVT results from the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) inside a vein, commonly in the calf or thigh. As blood “pools” or coagulates and forms a clot, it can partially or completely block the flow of blood back to the heart.
If a DVT blood clot breaks free from the wall of the vein and travels to the lungs, it can block the pulmonary artery or one of its branches, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE). The most common form of PE cuts off the blood oxygen supply and can be fatal. Pulmonary embolism, a complication of DVT, claims the lives of approximately 300,000 Americans each year—that’s more than AIDS and breast cancer combined.
Your best defense against DVT blood clots is to be aware of the risks and stay informed.
Always contact your doctor if you notice
- Pain, tenderness, or sudden swelling of the leg
- Discoloration or visibly enlarged veins
- Skin that is warm to the touch
Seek urgent medical help if you experience
- Shortness of breath
- Anxiety, nervousness, or excessive sweating
- Sharp chest pain or rapid pulse
- Coughing up blood
- Very low blood pressure or fainting
Risk assessment is an important step you can take toward reducing your risk of DVT/PE. Talk to your health care professional to find out if you are at risk.
Call today for an appointment at 1.877.UT.CARES (1.877.882.2737).
Read more about Deep Vein Thrombosis treatment and symptoms.
Online Tools: Make an Appointment Pay your Bill For appointments by phone, call 865.305.6970
