Tag Archives: PE

Women and DVT

Are you at risk?

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A woman’s risk for deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism varies with hormonal exposure,Jane1.fw which makes pregnancy, use of hormone replacement therapy or birth control products important risk factors. According to the Vascular Disease Foundation, DVT and PE are the most common causes of maternal-related deaths.

If you’re pregnant, you can take precautions to prevent clots. The American Society of Hematology recommends the following:

  • Be aware of risk factors.
  • Know your family history.
  • Make sure your doctor knows about any history of blood clots or blood clotting disorders in your family.
  • Remain active, with your doctor’s approval.
  • Be aware of the signs and symptoms of a blood clot. Visit your doctor immediately if you think you have one. Continue reading →

Time for spring destinations!

Know the risks of DVT during travel

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For many, this time of year means spring travel is on the agenda. Those with varicose veins — bothplane men and women — should know that they are at a slightly higher risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) during a long flight or ride.

Even if you don’t have varicose veins, do you know the risks of DVT during travel? Here are tips for anyone flying or traveling for long periods of time (4 or more hours):

Deep Vein Thrombosis: Are you at risk?

March is DVT Awareness Month

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Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, occurs when a blood clot forms in the large veins of the legs or pelvic region. If the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, a pulmonary embolism (PE) may result.legs2_DVT

An estimated 900,000 people are affected by deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism each year, so identifying a person’s risk factors is important in preventing DVT. If you’re at risk, in most cases you can modify and reduce that risk.

Who’s at risk?

Risk factors for DVT and PE include:

  • Advanced age
  • Active cancer and cancer treatments
  • Immobility, paralysis
  • Recent trauma, surgery or hospitalization
  • Family history or personal history of DVT or PE
  • Pregnancy and the period around delivery
  • Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies
  • Obesity
  • Chronic medical conditions
  • Infections
  • Inherited and acquired blood clotting abnormalities
  • Smoking (in some studies) Continue reading →

What you need to know about deep vein thrombosis

March is DVT Awareness Month

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Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, occurs when a blood clot forms in the large veins of the legs or pelvic region. If the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, a pulmonary embolism (PE) may result.

According to national estimates, approximately 900,000 people are affected by deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism each year. Dr. Thomas Wakefield, head of vascular surgery at the University of Michigan, says identifying the patient’s risk factors is important in preventing DVT. “If there is a risk, you can modify and reduce that risk in many cases.”

Who’s at risk for DVT?

Risk factors for DVT and PE include:

Continue reading →