DVT Support Group of the Lower Mainland

DVT Facts

DVT FACTS

"What is our single biggest health hazard? Cancer? Heart disease? Obesity? Toxic chemicals? Actually, it's blood clots. By blocking the circulation to various vital areas of the body, these tiny clumps of congealed blood are a leading cause of death and disability."--From the article "The Blood Clot" by Eva Chandra

"Did you know? One person is diagnosed with a blood clot every minute." http://www.clotconnec...

One person dies every 5 minutes from PE (pulmonary embolism): http://bit.ly/nN2crZ...

What is VTE (Venous Thromboembolism)?

VTE is a term used to describe both related conditions: DVT and PE.

Early recognition and appropriate treatment of DVT and PE can save many lives.

The numbers for blood clots are staggering. Here are some statistics from the National Alliance for Thrombosis & Thrombophilia to give you an idea:

Almost 900,000 Americans suffer from VTE (venous thromboembolism) every year.

Of these, about 380,000 develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Nearly 300,000 deaths per year.

Only 50% of those with DVT have symptoms, yet quick, effective treatment is critical

600,000 are affected annually by pulmonary embolism (PE).

Up to 25% of those patients with PE present with sudden death.

1 in 20 Americans are affected by hereditary thrombophilia – an inherited predisposition to blood clots.

52% of hospitalized adults are at risk of dangerous blood clots.

The recurrence rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is 30% over 10 years.

What is DVT?

DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) is a when a blood clot (thrombus) has formed in one or more deep veins, usually in the legs. The blood flow in the vein is partially or completely obstructed. A DVT can extend to fill long lengths of vein.

Where can DVT occur on the body?

DVT usually occurs in the legs, but it can, more rarely, occur in the arms or pelvis.

However, personally, I happened to meet two women in the hospital, when I was in the DVT Outpatient Program, with even more uncommon sites: one had DVT in her abdomen, and the other in her foot. Another friend recently told me about a friend with DVT in her shoulder. Additionally, in online forums I have chatted with others who have DVT in similar or other uncommon spots.

"Leg vein clots are by far the most common, accounting for more than 95 percent of all clots."--From the book "Thrombosis", by Dr. Jack Hirsh, Canadian Medical Association, 2005

There are two types of veins in the legs: superficial veins (the ones closer to the surface of the skin that we can often see), and deep veins (near the bone and surrounded by muscle), which are the ones affected by DVT.

"Blood clots can also form in veins that are closer to the surface of your skin. But these clots — known as superficial venous thrombosis, phlebitis or thrombophlebitis — aren't typically dangerous because clots that form in the veins near the surface of the skin don't travel to your lungs." --Mayo Clinic

Symptoms of DVT

Sadly, only about 50% of people with DVT have typical symptoms, which is why it is often called the “silent killer”, and is why diagnosis is difficult. This is compounded by the fact that 74% of Americans have no knowledge about DVT, its symptoms or risk factors. (And I can only imagine less here in Canada, where we have no public awareness organization or campaign at this date.)

There can be a misconception that there should be visible signs. This misconception can result in a delayed or missed diagnosis. In fact, most DVTs have only leg pain or mild swelling. And in some cases, pulmonary embolism is the first sign that you have DVT. Therefore, it is important to take a look at all of the following signs and symptoms.

When symptoms DVT do occur, the most common can include:

Pain and/or tenderness in your leg, usually in one leg, and particularly in your calf muscle or groin, but also can include pain in your ankles and feet. This pain, which often starts in the calf (and for me, also included behind my knee), can feel like aching, cramping, or a “charley horse”, or my feel tender when you touch it, or when you stand or move.

Sudden swelling of one leg

Fullness of the veins just beneath the skin (either seeing these veins more easily or if they look swollen). In my case they were also a much brighter blue than normal.

Skin that is warm to the touch on the legs

Change in skin color (for example: blue, purple, red, or very pale)

Less common symptoms include:

Pain or swelling in your arms or neck. This can occur if a blood clot forms there.

Symptoms like these can develop slowly, but can also come on suddenly.

What is a PE (Pulmonary Embolism)?

PE is a very serious condition and complication of DVT that occurs when a traveling clot (embolus) breaks free from the leg (in this example) and travels up the bloodstream to the lungs, where it lodges. PE is a cause for emergency, as it can be fatal.

"Up to 30% of patients of a pulmonary embolism will die within hours if they're not treated."--From the article The Blood Clot, by Eva Chandra

Symptoms of PE

Signs and symptoms of PE (or pulmonary embolism) occur quickly, should be treated as an emergency, and demand urgent attention. Critical symptoms can include:

Unexplained shortness of breath, whether you’re active or at rest.

Sharp chest pain or discomfort, which usually get worse usually when breathing in, when you take a deep breath, or when you cough. It often mimics a heart attack. The pain can occur anywhere in your chest and may radiate to your shoulder, arm, neck or jaw. It may be sharp and stabbing, or aching and dull, and may become worse when you cough, eat, bend or stoop.

A feeling of apprehension, anxiety, or nervousness

Sudden collapse

Rapid pulse

Bloody phlegm (coughing up blood)

Back pain

Additional symptoms can include

Coughing

Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or fainting

Wheezing

Clammy or bluish-colored skin

Excessive sweating

Weak pulse

Fever

These symptoms are not unique to pulmonary embolism and can be associated with many other conditions, however, because pulmonary embolism can be fatal, if you experience these signs or symptoms seek medical attention right away.

Who is at risk?

"In Western countries about 1 in 1,000 people develop venous clots every year. This translates into about 5 percent of the population, or 1 in 20 in a lifetime."--From the book "Thrombosis", by Dr. Jack Hirsh, Canadian Medical Association, 2005

Virtually anyone can get DVT. Know the risk factors.

Risk factors for DVT can include any of the following:

Being over the age of 40

Use of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy

Pregnancy and childbirth

Family history of DVT

Certain surgical procedures

Inactivity: not exercising, sitting for long periods of time, immobility, bedrest, etc.

Some medical conditions, such as: cancer, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory disease.

Pacemakers or venous catheters.

Things that increase the risk:

Smoking

Long distance travel (especially on planes)

Inherited clotting conditions

Being overweight/obesity

Dehydration

Fractures

Severe muscle injuries

The more risk factors you have, the greater your risk.

--Adapted from various sources. See Resources page for more information.

How is DVT treated?

Some treatments include:

Medicine:

Anti-coagulants (also known as "blood thinners") are the most commonly used medicines. They are taken as: a pill, an injection under the skin, or through a needle or tube inserted into a vein (called intravenous, or IV, injection). Warfarin (also known as Coumadin) and Heparin are two common examples. Treatment can last 3-6 months or longer depending on the circumstance.

Thrombin Inhibitors. For patients who can't take Heparin.

Thrombolytics. These quickly dissolve a blood clot and are used to treat the ones that cause severe symptoms. However, because they can cause sudden bleeding, they're used only in life-threatening situations.

Other types of treatment:

Vena Cava Filter. Used when patients can't take blood thinners or if they're taking blood thinners and are still developing blood clots. It prevents pulmonary embolism, however, it doesn't stop new blood clots from forming.

Surgery. In severe cases.

Compression Stockings. These medical stockings (typically fitted) are tight at the ankle and become looser as they go up the leg, which creates gentle pressure up the leg. The pressure keeps blood from pooling and clotting. They are typically worn for at least a year after DVT is diagnosed.

Elevation of legs.

--Adapted from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute website. For more information, see www.nhlbi.nih.gov/

What does treatment do specifically?

The goals of treatment are to stop the clot from getting bigger and from becoming a PE, in addition to decreasing the chance of having another DVT and minimize the possibility of developing PTS (as described below).

For example, as far as my own personal situation, my medication (Warfarin) will help to do all of the above, but not to actually dissolve the clot. That will have to be done naturally, by my body's own process, and this could take many months. Sometimes the clot doesn't dissolve completely and instead will be grown over.

Are there any long-term effects of DVT?

"A long-term side effect of DVT is the development of the post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). About one-third of patients who experience a DVT (a higher percentage if the clot goes into the large veins in the pelvis or abdomen) can develop PTS. This condition can show up as chronic pain, swelling and discoloration of the leg, as well as the development of open sores or ulcers, caused by damage that is done by the clot to valves in the veins. The effects of PTS can be devastating, are long lasting and can lessen one's quality of life."--From "Focus on Blood Clots", by the Vascular Disease Foundation.

Ways to prevent VTE

Stay active. Walking helps with blood circulation and with weight loss.

Stop smoking.

Maintain a normal body weight and eat a healthy diet.

Discuss risks of birth control or hormone replacement therapy with your health care provider.

If you are hospitalized for any medical or surgical condition, ask the doctor what he or she is planning to do to decrease your risks of DVTs and PEs.

Find out if there is any family history of VTE or abnormal blood clotting. If so, discuss any tests or steps you should take with your health care provider.

If you take long airline or auto trips, get up and walk every hour or so, and tighten the calf muscles by flexing your foot and raising on your toes 10-15 times each hour. Additionally, avoid alcohol and drink plenty of fluids.

Follow your health care provider's instructions to keep any medical conditions under best control.

--From "Focus on Blood Clots", by the Vascular Disease Foundation.

NOTE:
Keep in mind that I’m merely a patient, not a medical practitioner, so this information is from my personal experience and research, and is NOT professional medical advice. Please, always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for your own health and safety. This website and information herein does not claim to offer, or replace, qualified medical advice. I cannot assume responsibility or liability for your health, but I can share what I know here, to assist in increasing your knowledge of DVT and better prepare you to ask your physician about areas of interest.

Page title	Most recent update	Last edited by
Resources	August 1, 2011 10:54 PM	anonymous
Members' Stories	February 24, 2010 12:49 AM	anonymous
NATF Advocacy Committee	June 29, 2009 11:21 AM	anonymous
DVT Facts	July 9, 2011 3:24 PM	anonymous
About DVT Support Group of the Lower Mainland	October 6, 2009 11:45 PM	anonymous

Burnaby, BC

Founded Oct 22, 2008

DVT Support Group of the Lower Mainland

DVT Facts

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