Deep vein thrombosis: understanding and managing your risk

Summary

In this blog, Jo Jerrome, CEO of Thrombosis UK, explains the dangers of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and why it is important for patients and staff to be aware of the risk factors.

Jo offers advice on how we can all manage our risk of DVT, and introduces their award-winning, free patient app – “Let’s talk clots”.  

Content

Are you at risk?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot which has formed in the deep veins, usually in the legs. Often preventable, a DVT needs to be diagnosed and treated to avoid risk of a piece of the clot breaking off and travelling in the blood stream to the lungs where it can cause a life-threatening blockage known as a pulmonary embolism (PE).

Risk factors for a DVT include:

• recent hospitalisation (especially for illness, surgery or trauma)
• cancer
• some cancer treatments
• prolonged immobility
• combined oral contraceptive pill
• hormone therapy when taken in tablet form
• pregnancy and up to six weeks postpartum
• a family history of thrombosis
• obesity
• smoking.

Managing your risk of DVT

Being aware of risk factors is really important in helping you to avoid and protect yourself from DVT. If you are aware you may be at risk of a blood clot, discuss this with your doctor or nurse.

Keeping active, well hydrated and of healthy weight can also help reduce your personal risk of thrombosis. If there are medical risk factors – such as an active cancer or severe injury or trauma, then a doctor or nurse will assess your risk and may prescribe an anticoagulant to reduce the risk of a clot forming.

Suspected or diagnosed DVT

If you think you have signs or symptoms of a DVT or PE, it is vital to seek urgent medical advice for clinical investigations and diagnosis.

If a blood clot is suspected or diagnosed, an anticoagulant medication is normally prescribed, usually in tablet form and this will need to be taken for at least three months, often longer depending on a clinical review and guidance.

An anticoagulant – sometimes called a ‘blood thinner’ slows the body’s ability to form clots, hence reducing the risk of the clot becoming larger or more clots forming. This then reduces your risk while your body breaks down and dissolves the existing clot or clots.

“Let’s talk clots” - free patient app

Thrombosis UK has developed a medically approved information app – ‘Let’s Talk Clots’ which offers invaluable information on DVT and PE, including:

• symptoms
• information about risk factors
• diagnosis
• treatments
• help during recovery and restoring well-being after a diagnosis of a blood clot.

Recovering after a blood clot? The app has information about recovery, including pain and breathlessness, managing anxiety and worry, regaining wellbeing, fitness and returning to everyday activities.

Questions about life after a diagnosis of a blood clot? Information is shared about considerations around life events, including pregnancy, family planning, travel, work and managing other conditions or treatments alongside risk factors or a personal medical history of thrombosis.

You can visit the Thrombosis UK website for more information about the app and how to download it.