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Deep vein thrombosis can cause death
Thrombosis is the formation of potentially deadly blood clots in an artery or vein. It is shocking to know that one of the leading causes of preventable death is something many people have never heard of — and often don’t know they have.
By
migrator
migrator
Chennai
One in four people worldwide are dying from conditions caused by thrombosis, making it a leading global cause of death and disability. In Chennai, approximately 3 to 5 percent of all hospital admissions are related to thrombosis or the development of thrombosis during stay. Despite this prevalence, there is low awareness about this condition among patients.
Anyone can be susceptible to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, most often in the leg. Even otherwise healthy people can suffer from DVT after being immobile over a period of time, merely spanning a few weeks. But there are certain categories of patients at higher risk, namely those recovering from a surgery or being hospitalized for a major medical illness for a long period which entails lack of activity.
Thrombosis can trigger life-threatening medical conditions, including heart attack, stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE). VTE occurs when a blood clot that forms in a deep vein travels in circulation; when such a clot lodges in the lungs, it can lead to a pulmonary embolism.
Dr. N. Ramakrishnan, Director, Critical Care Services, says, “DVT is no longer a disease and can even be developed early. Incidence of DVT in India has been reported in the range of 3.4 percent to 17 percent. While the population is diverse, risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, long travel and any prolonged immobilization.
Approximately 60 perc ent of blood clots are linked to hospitalization. Dr Ramakrishnan explains, “Even in India, being in the hospital is a major risk factor for the development of VTE. Despite efforts to raise awareness of DVTs, compliance is less than optimal. The Detect DVT study observed that only two-thirds of patients being treated for sepsis, the majority of whom were in hospitals, received thrombo prophylaxis.
In a major study sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO), VTE accounted for more deaths and disability in low- and middle-income countries such as India than other patient safety issues, including hospital-acquired pneumonia, catheter-related bloodstream infections and drug errors. Because of this, the World Thrombosis Day campaign places a global spotlight on hospital-associated VTE to raise awareness of this common and under-recognized preventable health issue.
To prevent VTE and related morbidity, every hospital should establish and enforce a VTE protocol. It is observed that VTE prophylaxis is used less in Asia. Though many studies have negated this belief, not all hospitals and healthcare systems are compliant with prophylaxis procedures which prevent VTE.
Taking Caution
Patients should take the following steps to help assess their risk and prevent VTE
- Ask your provider for a questionnaire that gathers information about age, medical history, medications, and specific lifestyle factors to discern a patient’s potential risk for developing blood clots
- Ask about treatment options like compression stockings or anti-clotting medication to help prevent VTE
- Follow prescribed treatments, including medication, as ordered, and ask questions if you have any
- Stay active and move constantly to prevent VTE while in the hospital and after discharge
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