Every Five Minutes Someone Dies from a Blood Clot

When statistics are quoted it is important to remember that these numbers represent real people. The U.S.Surgeon General reports that 2 million Americans suffer from DVT each year. About 1 million of these occur during or within thirty days of a hospital stay. Progression of DVT to PE is the third most common cause of hospital deaths. Every five minutes someone dies of a PE in the U.S. More people die each year from PE than breast cancer, AIDS, and traffic accidents combined.

Events that increase the risk of DVT/PE are hospitalization, major surgery, injury, personal or family history of blood clots, extended bed rest, prolonged sitting, and long trips. Additional risk in women include: pregnancy, birth control pills and hormone therapy. Of the general population 15 to 20 percent have an inherited risk of DVT/PE. If there is a family history of clots a blood test can determine if you have an inherited risk. Discuss your risk factors, including family history of DVT/PE, with your doctor, in particular if you are considering hormone therapy, birth control pills, or have upcoming surgeries planned.

How To Prevent DVT?

After meeting with your primary physician, if you are determined to be at risk for developing DVT, ask about preventive measures.

These preventive measures include:

• Compression hose when traveling
• Mechanical pumps to reduce the pooling of blood in leg veins during surgery or when immobilized in the hospital, exercising your legs during trips or after surgery
• Drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration
• Blood thinners in tiny doses can prevent DVT without the risk of bleeding in most cases

Unfortunately, even if preventive measures are taken, DVT/PE can still occur. Although DVT and PE are often asymptomatic (without symptom).

The following symptoms raise concern of a possible DVT:

• unexplained leg swelling,
• pain and tenderness,
• changes to the skin color and warmth may be seen in DVT.