March is DVT Awareness Month

By Dr. Sonja Stiller, Center for Advanced Vein Care

March is Deep-Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month, a public health initiative aimed at raising awareness of this common medical condition and its potentially fatal complication known as a pulmonary embolism.

Up to two million Americans are affected annually by DVT, which occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the lower leg or thigh. Symptoms include pain, redness, swelling, increased warmth, throbbing, and cramping.

When a blood clot forms, it is usually a rapid onset. It’s not instantaneous, but you’ll likely notice the symptoms in a few hours to a few days, not in a month. If the clot breaks off and travels to the lung, it is known as a pulmonary embolism, which is often fatal.

A more common DVT issue is a chronic clot, which if untreated stops up the plumbing in the same way a clump of hair can stop up a drainpipe. The clot slows down the venous system, allowing toxins to build up in your legs causing pain, swelling, ulcers and more.

A major cause of blood clots is being sedentary. So, one risk factor is having a surgery that prevents you from moving. Other risk factors include being overweight, smoking, pregnancy and age.

One of the best things you do to avoid clotting and maintain a healthy venous system is to pay attention to how your legs feel—and to keep moving. Walking regularly helps build strong calf muscles which serve as our “second heart,” pumping blood and toxins up and out of our lower legs. Even taking short walks around your house can make a big difference.

Dr. Sonja Stiller is a diplomat of both the American Board of Emergency Medicine and the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. She is the founder of the Center for Advanced Vein Care, a Tier 1 provider with Lake Health Hospital System. The center’s newly expanded offices are at 7200 Mentor Avenue, in Mentor. For an appointment, call 440-710-1140. More info can be found at YourHealthyVeins.com.