Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Awareness Campaign Focuses on Deep Leg Clots
PENSACOLA, FL, March 12, 2007 – Sacred Heart Hospital is joining a national effort to raise awareness of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious, yet preventable condition that can lead to potentially fatal complications.
DVT refers to blood clots that form deep in the legs. These clots can become killers if they break off and float into the lungs – a condition known as a pulmonary embolism. Many people suffer DVT after spending long periods without moving, such as passengers on long-haul airline flights.
Awareness of the problem was heightened last week at the start of Deep-Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month when Vice President Dick Cheney developed a blood clot in his leg. Cheney visited his doctor's office after feeling minor discomfort in his calf. An ultrasound showed a deep-vein thrombosis in his left lower leg.
NBC news correspondent David Bloom died in 2003 of a pulmonary embolism after spending days on end in a cramped military vehicle while covering the invasion of Iraq.
According to the American Heart Association, DVT affects up to two million Americans annually. Of those Americans who develop a pulmonary embolism, up to 200,000 will die each year—more than from breast cancer and AIDS combined. Yet, most Americans are unaware of DVT according to a national survey sponsored by the American Public Health Association.
“DVT Awareness Month is a great opportunity to educate the public about this preventable and often silent killer,” said Sacred Heart spokesman Mike Burke. “We are pleased to support this national campaign to increase awareness of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of DVT.”
In 2003, Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola developed an innovative program to help prevent blood clots and pulmonary embolisms in hospital and post-surgical patients, both of which are high-risk groups. The program was adopted by a major pharmaceutical company and a number of hospitals across the country.
About Deep-Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
DVT occurs when a thrombus (blood clot) forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower limbs, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. If left untreated, this clot has the potential to move into the lungs and block circulation to this vital organ creating a life threatening condition – known as pulmonary embolism (PE) – requiring immediate medical attention. Up to 600,000 Americans are hospitalized each year for DVT and its primary complication, PE. Fatal PE may be the most common preventable cause of hospital death in the United States.
Certain individuals may be at increased risk for developing DVT; however, it can occur in almost anyone. Additional risk factors include, but are not limited to restricted mobility, cancer, certain heart or respiratory diseases, major surgery, such as hip or knee replacements, advanced age, oral contraceptives or hormone therapy. It is important to consult your healthcare provider about the signs and symptoms associated with DVT. For more information, visit www.preventdvt.org.
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