Deep Vein Thrombosis Essay Example

consists of decreased flow rate of the blood, secondly, damage to the blood vessels and lastly, an increased tendency of the blood to clot called (hypercoagulability). Aside from these three causes of DVT, there are several medical conditions that can lead to this condition such as compression of veins, physical trauma, cancer, infections, certain inflammatory diseases as well as specific conditions such as stroke, heart failure or nephrotic syndrome (kidney disease). There are several factors that can increase a person’s risk for DVT, including surgery, hospitalization, immobilization (such as having casts on), or during long haul flights. Other factors include smoking, being overweight, a person’s age and certain drugs (such as Estrogen). Pregnant women have an increased risk during pregnancy and during the postnatal period.

There are several ways in which a physical examination can help to detect DVT. Some examples would be: measuring the circumference of the affected limb at a fixed point, (this would rule out edema), and touching the area of the stomach and intestines which often are tender. You can’t however, count on a physical exam to rule out the diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis.

A DVT can occur without any symptoms. In many cases however, the affected extremity will be painful, swollen, red, and warm, the superficial veins may be saturated with fluids. The most serious complication of a DVT is the fact that the clot could dislodge and travel to the lungs. Thus, a pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs. If it occurs in the lower extremities there’s a 3

Percent chance that the pulmonary embolism could be fatal to the patient. Therefore, DVT is considered a medical

emergency.

A history of the patient must be taken to observe any risk factors such as, the use of estrogen-containing methods of hormonal contraception, also including, a recent long haul flying, intravenous drug use, or any history of miscarriage. Miscarriage is just one feature of several disorders causing thrombosis. The risk of DVT is higher (in real long haul flying), in travelers who smoke, are obese, or are currently taking contraceptive pills. Hereditary factor may also be a contributor in the development of DVT. This is why a family history should be done. Along with the fact about 35% of DVT patients have at least on hereditary disorder which promotes excessive blood clotting.

DVT can develop by lying in bed for long periods of time. Therefore, hospitalized patients have a considerably higher incidence of DVT. It varies from 20% to about 70%. (cdc.gov). Venous ulceration and venous insufficiency of a person’s lower leg, which are long term complications of DVT affect five tenth of a percent of the entire population.

Prevention of DVT is advised in many medical and surgical inpatients by using anticoagulants, graduated compression stockings or intermittent pneumatic compression devices, (also known as thromboembolic deterrent stockings). Anticoagulation is the usual treatment for DVT. As a rule, patients are put on a brief course, (less than a week), of Heparin treatment, while starting a 3 to 6 month course of Warfarin (or related Vitamin K inhibitors).

Patients having had 2 or more deep vein thrombosis must use the anticoagulants treatment for the rest of their lives. Thinning agents do not lessen the chance of embolism to the pulmonary or coronary

arteries. Therefore, while the area affected with DVT (i.e. the legs) may stop clotting pulmonary embolism is still possible.

DVT is not as common in infants and teens as adults are. The statistics are amazingly lower in people under the age of eighteen. This may be due to the fact a child has a high rate of heart beats per minute, as well as their relatively active lifestyle compared to adults. In pregnant women, DVT is the second most cause of maternal death in developed countries, second only to bleeding.

There are steps that can be taken to protect you from DVT when sitting for long periods of time, (such as traveling for more than four hours), you should get up and walk around every 2 to 3 hours. Also you should exercise your legs while sitting down. Drink plenty of water, and avoid drinking anything with alcohol or caffeine in it. If you have been confined to bed, move around as soon as you can. If you are at risk discuss with your doctor about wearing support hose, “aka” medical compression stockings. Also if at risk, talk with your doctor about taking anticoagulants to prevent or treat DVT. Be sure to exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight and don’t smoke.

As we go through life we never know what health issues we may encounter. We are always told that prevention is the best policy for staying healthy. Eat right, exercise, don’t drink, smoke, and do get plenty of sleep. There are many types of conditions one can get. I do not think that many people are aware of DVT. After completing

this report and upon giving my oral presentation, I am in hopes I will have made more people aware of Deep Vein Thrombosis. When it comes to your body, you can never practice too much prevention.