|
|
|
|
|
Planning on taking a long trip this summer? Vacations are a necessity for many of us during the summer months and can be a great release from the stress and monotony of everyday life. However, if you plan on taking a long car or plane trip to reach your destination you may be at risk of developing a DVT.
What is a DVT?
A DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) is a blood clot located in a large vein, usually one of the lower leg. A clot can develop in these veins because blood moves slower in these areas and has an increased tendency to pool, and therefore clot.
What makes a DVT so dangerous?
A DVT can get large enough to cut off blood flow to certain parts of the body, but the most serious consequence of a DVT occurs when part of the blood clot breaks off and travels to other areas of the body. The clot can travel through the circulation into the lung causing a pulmonary embolism (PE). A PE is a life-threatening emergency!
What are the risk factors for developing a DVT?
One of the most common risk factors for developing a DVT is a long
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
period of immobility. Vacation time is fast approaching which can mean long trips in the car or plane. To prevent a DVT from forming make frequent stops to stretch and walk around. If taking an international flight it may be a good idea to invest in some compression stockings. They won't make for the most comfortable flight, but it certainly beats the alternative!
Other risk factors include smoking, oral contraceptive or hormone replacement therapy, obesity, and immobility. DVT prevention is just another great reason to start exercising and quit smoking!
What are the signs and symptoms of a DVT?
Pain, redness, and warmth are classic signs of a DVT, however the majority of DVTs show no signs or symptoms so prevention is very important! If undetected a DVT can turn into a PE. Signs and symptoms of a PE include shortness of breath, chest pain, and increased heart rate.
I've been diagnosed with a DVT. What now?
A DVT can be diagnosed in a hospital or outpatient clinic using an ultrasound. Once diagnosed your
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
doctor will most likely prescribe a combination of anticoagulants (blood thinners). A common combination is Lovenox and Coumadin. Lovenox is an injection that is given subcutaneously into the abdomen. It is used concurrently with the Coumadin for 5-7 days because this is usually how long the Coumadin needs to take its full effect. Coumadin is a tablet that is usually taken once daily. Coumadin does not act the same in every patient, so when beginning therapy you will have frequent visits to the office to have your INR checked. INR stands for International Normalized Ratio and is simply a lab test used to see how effective the Coumadin is in your body. It is important to get your INR checked as frequently as your doctor recommends so he or she can get the right dose for you. Serious adverse events can occur if your dose is too high or too low!
For more information contact your pharmacist or physician. You can also visit www.lovenox.com or www.coumadin.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
