World Thrombosis Day (WTD) is celebrated every year on 13 October, the birthday of Rudolf Virchow, a German physician, pathologist, biologist and anthropologist who developed the concept of "thrombosis”. WTD was founded in 2014 by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostatis to raise awareness on thrombosis.
So what is thrombosis?
Thrombosis is the formation of clot in the artery or vein. When a clot forms in the deep veins of the leg, it is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A clot can decrease or block normal blood flow or get detached and can travel to an organ. When a clot travels in the circulation and lodge in the lungs, it is known as pulmonary embolism (PE). Together DVT and PE make venous thromboembolism (VTE).
One in four people worldwide die from conditions caused by thrombosis making it a leading cause of global death and disability. Thrombosis is a preventable underlying cause of heart attack; thromboembolic stroke and VTE, the top three cardiovascular killers.
Signs and symptoms of DVT are pain or tenderness in the calf and/or thigh; swelling of the leg, foot and/or ankle; redness and/or noticeable discoloration; and warmth. People with PE may feel shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain (which may be worse during deep breath), rapid heart rate, lightheadedness and/or fainting.
Risk factors for VTE include hospitalization, surgery, cancer, prolonged immobility, family history, estrogen-containing medications and pregnancy or recent birth. It is seen that up to 60 percent of VTE cases occur during or after hospitalization.
Be proactive- If you are admitted, or if you are having surgery, ask your doctor for a VTE risk assessment and various measures for its prevention.
Reference-
www.worldthrombosisday.org/campaign-materials/healthcare-professionals/
World Thrombosis Day (WTD) is celebrated every year on 13 October, the birthday of Rudolf Virchow, a German physician, pathologist, biologist and anthropologist who developed the concept of "thrombosis”. WTD was founded in 2014 by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostatis to raise awareness on thrombosis.
So what is thrombosis?
Thrombosis is the formation of clot in the artery or vein. When a clot forms in the deep veins of the leg, it is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A clot can decrease or block normal blood flow or get detached and can travel to an organ. When a clot travels in the circulation and lodge in the lungs, it is known as pulmonary embolism (PE). Together DVT and PE make venous thromboembolism (VTE).
One in four people worldwide die from conditions caused by thrombosis making it a leading cause of global death and disability. Thrombosis is a preventable underlying cause of heart attack; thromboembolic stroke and VTE, the top three cardiovascular killers.
Signs and symptoms of DVT are pain or tenderness in the calf and/or thigh; swelling of the leg, foot and/or ankle; redness and/or noticeable discoloration; and warmth. People with PE may feel shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain (which may be worse during deep breath), rapid heart rate, lightheadedness and/or fainting.
Risk factors for VTE include hospitalization, surgery, cancer, prolonged immobility, family history, estrogen-containing medications and pregnancy or recent birth. It is seen that up to 60 percent of VTE cases occur during or after hospitalization.
Be proactive- If you are admitted, or if you are having surgery, ask your doctor for a VTE risk assessment and various measures for its prevention.
Reference-
www.worldthrombosisday.org/campaign-materials/healthcare-professionals/
