World Thrombosis Day is about bringing awareness to an issue that effects 1 in 4 people across the globe.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the most common type of thrombus. These are blood clots that form, most commonly, in the deep veins of the legs, pelvis and arms that can potentially travel to the lungs. A blood clot that breaks off is called an embolism, which can be fatal.
Thrombosis does not discriminate. According to http://www.worldthrombosisday.org: Up to 900,000 people in the United States alone are affected by blood clots each year and about 100,000 of those people will die, which is greater than the total number of people who lose their lives each year to AIDS, breast cancer, and motor vehicle crashes combined.
The most common risk factors for DVT:
- Immobility, i.e. extended hospital stay, long travel or bedrest.
- Surgery, especially orthopedic or cancer surgery.
- Personal family history of blood clotting.
- Cancer / chemotherapy.
- Estrogen based medication, i.e. birth control, hormone replacement.
Warning signs and symptoms:
- Pain or tenderness, most often in the calf.
- Swelling, especially of lower leg and foot.
- Redness or noticeable discoloration.
- Warmth of leg.
To learn more, visit http://www.worldthrombosisday.org