Blood clots in the legs and lungs kill more Americans each year than breast cancer, auto accidents and AIDS combined. Yet, most Americans don't know the cause of blood clots or the simple steps patients can take to avoid them.
During Oklahoma's Deep Vein Thrombosis Month in June, it is critical you and your family learn the facts about blood clots before they strike. A blood clot — known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT — typically forms in the veins of the leg. Part of the clot can break free and travel to the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal.
Nearly a million Americans suffer from deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism each year, and about one-third of these patients die as a result. Because the first symptom of pulmonary embolism is often sudden death, prevention is critical.
The risk factors for developing deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism are known, and effective preventive approaches are available. By recognizing the increased risk and taking preventive steps such as using anti-clotting medicine or special supportive stockings, the chance of developing blood clots can be reduced substantially.
Despite the availability of treatment, a 2007 study found that 70 percent to 80 percent of patients at risk did not receive the appropriate preventive measures. This means your knowledge as a patient can mean the difference between life and death.
So, be your own advocate. When facing surgery or a hospital stay, ask your doctor or other health professionals about what they plan to do to prevent blood clots. Move your legs often and walk frequently during your stay, if possible.
Pay particular attention if you are undergoing major surgery such as hip or knee replacement or to remove cancer, if you have leg trauma or are admitted for a medical illness such as heart or lung disease. Other risk factors include taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, obesity and family history of blood clots.
Also, be aware of the symptoms. Seek medical attention immediately if you have pain, tenderness or swelling of the legs, shortness of breath, chest pain, sudden collapse or loss of consciousness.
Vice President Dick Cheney, Tulsa musician Isaac Hanson and journalist David Bloom, who died from a blood clot after spending hours in a military vehicle in Iraq, are a few famous Americans who have experienced deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Despite these patients' fame, many Americans are still unaware of this common and preventable disease.
To help spread the word about DVT in Oklahoma, Hanson will visit Oklahoma City this month as will Bloom's widow, Melanie. Pay attention to their message. While there are diseases we can't prevent, this isn't one of them. Learn the risk. Speak up and be an active participant in your care. The life you save may be your own.
More information on DVT is available at venousdiseasecoalition.org.
Raskob is dean of the University of Oklahoma College of Public Health and an internationally recognized DVT researcher. Rathbun of the OU Vascular Center is a leading DVT researcher at the OU Health Sciences Center.
Nearly a million Americans suffer from deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism each year.
