Know the Facts About DVT

March is DVT/Blood Clot Awareness Month

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is a condition that involves blood clot formation in the veins, typically of the legs or groin areas. The most serious risk associated with deep vein thrombosis is that part of the blood clot will break off, travel along the veins, and get lodged in the lungs or heart, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary or coronary embolism.

According to the American Heart Association, as many as two million Americans are affected by deep vein thrombosis each year. Of those who develop pulmonary embolism, up to 300,000 will die every year. More Americans die each year from DVT/PE than from breast cancer and AIDS combined. Pregnant women are five times more likely than non-pregnant women to develop DVT. Yet, according to a national survey sponsored by the American Public Health Association, 74% of Americans have little or no awareness of DVT. (Source)

Here’s what you need to know:

Courtesy of: Horizon Vascular Specialists in Maryland