How to Reduce the Risk of Blood Clots or DVT
In 2008, the acting Surgeon General of the United States, Steven Galson, announced a major campaign to inform citizens of the signs and symptoms of blood clots (otherwise known as deep-vein thrombosis or DVT). DVT affects nearly 600,000 Americans annually and kills some 100,000. Dr. Galson warned that blood clots frequently go unrecognized and are now considered a "silent killer" since they are hard to diagnosis. This article will review the risk factors and prevention of blood clots as outlined by the Surgeon General.
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Things You'll Need
- A complete medical review and exam
- A comprehensive family medical history, if available
- An understanding of the Surgeon General's 2008 "Call to Action" on blood clots (a science-based document to stimulate action nationwide to solve a major problem)
Instructions
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Review the risk factors for developing a DVT which are divided into genetic (family history factors that you cannot change) and acquired risk factors which are "habits" (such as smoking) that can be changed.
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The GENETIC risk factors for DVT include the blood disorders Factor V Leiden disease, Prothromboin 20210 and Protein C and Protein S deficiency. Each of these inherited blood disorders disrupt the normal formation of blood and should be reviewed in detail if you have a positive family history of any one of them.
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The ACCQUIRED risk factors for DVT include exposure to steroids (especially estrogen), pregnancy, active tumors/cancer and obesity.
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Genetic risk-factor reduction is hard. You simply cannot run away from your "genetic past." However, you can be evaluated for these conditions if there is a suspicion of them in your family history and follow medical care as planned.
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The ACQUIRED risk factors are also hard to deal with, but you have a better chance of changing them if you are willing. You can speak with your health care provider about hormone replacement therapy options, be routinely screened for cancers, talk about how to prevent clots during pregnancy and reduce your weight.
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DVT kills thousands of people every year. Be smart. Learn about it; change what you can and keep a lookout for those factors that you cannot.
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Tips & Warnings
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Exercise on a regular basis.
Have your health care provider look for any potential genetic risk factors.
Change or modify behaviors that contribute to acquired risks.
Refer to my other article on how to prevent blood clots while traveling (see Resources below).
This article is strictly for informational purposes. Only a licensed health care provider can provide diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
