Parkridge Medical Center released information Friday warning people to be aware of deep vein thrombosis.
DVT is a serious condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the lower legs and thighs. Sitting for long periods of time, either in an airplane or in a car, can limit circulation in the legs and lead to a blood clot forming in a vein. The clot can travel unnoticed through the blood stream and lodge in the brain, lungs, heart or other areas, causing severe damage to organs, and in some causes, death.
In the United States alone, 600,000 new cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are diagnosed each year. Long-distance holiday travel can significantly increase the risk of forming this condition that can result in stroke, organ damage, or even death.
Dr. Charles Joels, a vascular surgeon at Parkridge Medical Center, said, “Slowed blood circulation due to illness, injury, or inactivity creates a dangerous setting prone to clot formation. DVT often occurs with little to no warning, so understanding the symptoms and risk factors of DVT is important.”
A number of risk factors, such as pregnancy and immobility due to long travel or extended bed rest, can increase the chance of forming DVT. Routine exercise can help lower the risk of DVT, as can a healthy diet featuring less saturated fat and alcohol and more fiber, fish and soy.
According to Dr. Joels, when traveling long distances by car or plane, making a point to walk, or at least move and stretch your feet, every hour or two can also help protect against DVT.
Dr. Joels said, “Pain, redness, tenderness or sudden swelling in the leg, as well as skin that is warm to the touch, are all early warning signs of DVT that everyone should be aware of during the holiday travel season. Being able to recognize the signs of DVT is crucial to preventing further, fatal complications.”