A friend died of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

We just lost a friend, a journalist, suddenly and we were told he could have died of one of the complications of Deep Vein thrombosis as a result of long hour’s flight. Please shed light on this problem?

Mr. R B V. According to the experts, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs “when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Deep Vein Thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling, but also can occur with no symptoms.

Deep Vein Thrombosis can develop if you have certain medical conditions that affect how your blood clots. It can also happen if you don’t move for a long time, such as after surgery or an accident, or when you’re confined to bed. Deep Vein Thrombosis can be very serious because blood clots in your veins can break loose, travel through your bloodstream and lodge in your lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism).”

What are the symptoms?

• Swelling in the affected leg. Rarely, there’s swelling in both legs.

• Pain in your leg. The pain often starts in your calf and can feel like cramping or soreness. • Red or discolored skin on the leg. • A feeling of warmth in the affected leg. • Deep Vein Thrombosis can occur without noticeable symptoms.

Causes?

The blood clots of Deep Vein Thrombosis can be caused by anything that prevents your blood from circulating or clotting normally, such as injury to a vein, surgery, certain medications and limited movement.

What are the risk factors?

• Inheriting a blood-clotting disorder. Some people inherit a disorder that makes their blood clot more easily.

• Prolonged bed rest, such as during a long hospital stay, or paralysis. When your legs remain still for long periods, your calf muscles don’t contract to help blood circulate, which can increase the risk of blood clots.

• Injury or surgery. Injury to your veins or surgery can increase the risk of blood clots.

• Pregnancy increases the pressure in the veins in your pelvis and legs. Women with an inherited clotting disorder are especially at risk. The risk of blood clots from pregnancy can continue for up to six weeks after you have your baby.

• Being overweight or obese increases the pressure in the veins in your pelvis and legs.

• Smoking affects blood clotting and circulation, which can increase your risk of DVT.

• Heart failure. This increases your risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism. Because people with heart failure have limited heart and lung function, the symptoms caused by even a small pulmonary embolism are more noticeable.

• A personal or family history of Deep Vein Thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. If you or someone in your family has had one or both of these, you might be at greater risk of developing a DVT.

• Age. Being older than 60 increases your risk of DVT, though it can occur at any age.

• Sitting for long periods of time, such as when driving or flying. When your legs remain still for hours, your calf muscles don’t contract, which normally helps blood circulate. Blood clots can form in the calves of your legs if your calf muscles don’t move for long periods.

Complications?

Pulmonary Embolism A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood vessel in your lung becomes blocked by a blood clot (thrombus) that travels to your lung from another part of your body, usually your leg. A pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. It’s important to watch for signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism such as: • Sudden shortness of breath • Chest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath or when you cough,

• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or fainting and rapid pulse and coughing up blood

Postphlebitic Syndrome

A common complication that can occur after Deep Vein Thrombosis is known as postphlebitic syndrome, also called postthrombotic syndrome. Damage to your veins from the blood clot reduces blood flow in the affected areas, which can cause:

• (edema). • Leg pain and skin discoloration. • Skin sores. How to prevent DVT? • Avoid sitting still. If you have had surgery or have been on bed rest for other reasons, try to get moving as soon as possible. If you’re sitting for a while, don’t cross your legs, which can hamper blood flow. If you’re traveling a long distance by car, stop every hour or so and walk around. If you’re on a plane, stand or walk occasionally and exercise your lower legs.

• Make lifestyle changes. Lose weight and exercise regularly. Persistent swelling of your legs