Walk a mile daily to prevent blood clots in blood veins: Health expert

Blood clots in blood veins often cause chances of death.

KIMS Hospitals conducted an awareness walk on Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) was held at the Jalavayu Vihar of Necklace road in the city.

Internationally, March is observed as DVT awareness month.

Cine actress Laxmi Manchu attended as the Chief Guest, and CMD of the KIMS group of hospitals, Dr. B. Bhaskar Rao attended as the guest of honor.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Narendranadh Meda, HOD and Senior Consultant Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon, and Foot Care Specialist at KIMS Hospitals, said.

"Acute venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is the most common preventable causes of hospital death, and a source of substantial long-term morbidity.

The incidence of DVT is increasing in the general population as well, because of sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy habituations among the general public, he said.

DVT refers to a blood clot or thrombus that forms in one or more veins deep inside a person’s body , Dr Meda said.

it usually develops in the leg. It blocks blood circulation.

The clots can break off and travel through the bloodstream, and thus become fatal, he said.

Some symptoms are swelling, pain, discoloration, and abnormally hot skin in the affected area.

In most DVT cases, these symptoms are not seen, the treatment gets delayed and it causes death, said Dr Meda.
DVT is most accurately diagnosed through D dimer assessment along with venous ultrasound and venography.

"People with prior DVT, stroke, pregnancy, obesity, undergoing major surgery, over the age of 65, and those confined to long periods of immobility such as travel or bed rest are more at risk for deep-vein thrombosis than others," he added.

Laxmi Manchu said, "women have more chances to get DVT and specifically, estrogen hormonal therapy and hormonal birth control can raise a person’s chances of developing DVT.

From puberty to menopause, women bear the highest risk of venous thromboembolism, she said that even after menopause years, women have a high chance of getting VTE and DVT.

Pregnants and women taking birth control medicines are at risk of DVT, she added.

Dr. Bollineni Bhaskar Rao said, "Swelling in one leg, pain, heating of the affected area, reddishness, hard sensation of nerves are some of the symptoms of DVT.

It can happen not only in the legs but also in the hands, abdomen, and other areas too. Some may feel breathlessness, and chest pain as well, he said.

Those who are 60 plus of age, obese, smokers, and people who suffered from cancer, heart attacks, and varicose veins will have more chances to get DVT, said Dr Rao
Those who travel for more than 3 hours either by Car, Train, or Flight also have risk. It can come even if one doesn't have any of these, he said.

Daily walking, raising the affected leg while sitting, avoiding flight journeys for two or three weeks while using anticoagulants is always better, he added.

(With UNI inputs)