Venous Thromboembolism
Venous Thromboembolism- It has two related diseases namely deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. It is also known as paget- schrotter diseases.
Deep vein thrombosis:
It forms blood clot in veins, mainly in legs. Blood clots are occurred when veins are damaged or blood circulation is not working properly. It is also caused when we are sitting in one place for long time. It is also happens without symptoms. Mostly it affects legs and also other parts of the body. Deep vein thrombosis is not dangerous itself.
It becomes dangerous when the blood clot passes through lungs which is called pulmonary embolism (PE). Approximately 10 out of 1000 persons are affected by deep vein thrombosis. Mostly women are affected by this disease. The symptom usually appears in leg and sometimes without symptoms the legs become swollen, warm and severe pain is encountered. Wearing compression socks and belts will reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis while traveling. Mostly the persons who are affected are old-age persons, prolonged hospitalization, chain smokers, obese, long time air travelers, paralysis, pregnant women’s. Ultra-sound is the standard method to diagnose deep vein thrombosis. We can able to diagnose the size of blood clot, and where it is particularly located.
Pulmonary embolism:
It is a block in lung-artery. The most serious case of deep vein thrombosis travel to lungs caused pulmonary embolism. It is a life- threatening condition. It cause due to immobilization. About 20% of the pregnancy death in the world is due to pulmonary embolism. We can diagnose these diseases when undergo blood test like D-dimmer, scanning legs, taking ECG and X-ray. D-dimer is a blood test used to diagnose the blood clot. Most commonly used test for diagnosing these diseases by MAGNETIC IMAGING RESONANCE (MRI) and COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT).
Anti-coagulant for Pulmonary embolism:
Anti-coagulant is the substance which prevents blood clot. It is also called blood thinners. Walking and leg exercise can reduce the risk of both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Symptoms of pulmonary embolism is shortness of breath, chest pain, anxiety, nervousness, feeling dizziness, palpitations, low blood oxygen saturation, sweating and also cancer.
Benefits of using Heparin:
We can reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism by using heparin and warfarin drugs at the same time. Heparin works very quickly than warfarin. Giving heparin to pregnant women is safe while giving warfarin is dangerous during pregnancy. It gives through injection or IV tubes. Usually it is very hard to diagnose because the symptoms are like heart- attack. Early detection of deep vein thrombosis can reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is the major cause of health problem in U.S. About 6 lakhs people in U.S are affecting by pulmonary thrombosis every year. If we feel above signs and symptoms, immediately seeing the physician for consult.
