GTF Thrombosis
What is Thrombosis?

Thrombosis is a deadly medical condition​ that results from formation of blood clots in blood vessels. Some common terms used in describing thrombosis are:
 

  • Thrombus: A clot that is formed and stays at the site of formation
  • Embolus: A clot that moves away from the site of formation to a distant site
  • DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis): A clot in the deep vein of the calf
  • PE (Pulmonary Embolism): A clot that has moved from the vein to the lung(s)
  • VTE (Venous Thromboembolism):  Together, DVT and PE make up venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

Statistics about PE & VTE


  • PE kills more than 300,000 people per year in the U.S.- more than Breast Cancer, AIDS, and traffic accidents, combined!!
  • VTE affects about 900,000 people per year in the U.S.
  • Leading preventable cause of death in hospitalized patients
  • About 400,000 Americans develop DVT in the legs every year in the U.S.
  • Every minute, a blood clot is found
  • Every 6 minutes, someone dies due to a blood clot
  • Direct medical costs for treatment of VTE add up to $14,000,000,000 in the U.S.


Symptoms of VTE:

  • Shortness of Breath
  • Chest Pain
  • Cough
  • Coughing up blood
  • Dizziness
  • Sudden Cardiac Arrest
  • Palpitations
Signs:

  • High heart rate
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low oxygen saturation in blood
  • Swelling of the legs
  • High breathing rate

 

DVT IS ONE OF THE MOST PREVENTABLE CONDITIONS. The most common measures can be taken to avoid this condition are:


  • Exercise Daily
  • Maintain Healthy Diet
  • When traveling, you should…
  •  Drink Lots of Fluids
  •  Wiggle Your Toes Often
  •  Get Up and Walk Around Every Hour


RISK factors of VTE are 

  • Injury

  • Surgery

  • Fracture

  • Pregnancy

  • Hospitalization

  • The people who are more prone for the condition are: 

  • Those who have Close Family Member(s) with Previous VTE

  • Those who often go on frequent Plane Rides/Long-Distance Travel

  • Those who have had Prolonged Bed Rest

In conclusion, one should know the facts that


  • VTE can be FATAL
  • VTE affects ALL ages, genders and races 
  • Know your Risk Factors
  • Know the Symptoms
  • Seek Medical Attention promptly


For more information about Thrombotic conditions visit: http://www.natfonline.org