Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep Vein Thrombosis Blood clot in a vein 250,000 to 300,000 admissions Major risk: blood clot will break loose and travel clot lodges in smaller blood vessel of lung called pulmonary embolism

Causes Slowed blood flow Damage to blood vessels Changes in the blood itself

Symptoms Swelling Warmth Pain or tenderness Redness

Major Risk Factors Prolonged bedrest Abnormal blood clotting Major trauma Surgery Cancer Paralysis

Minor Risk Factors Certain health conditions Airplane flight Pregnancy Increasing age Obesity Birth control pills Smoking

Goals of Treatment Prevent the clot from becoming larger Prevent pulmonary embolism Prevent postthrombotic syndrome Prevent the recurrence of blood clots

Symptoms: Pulmonary Embolus Sudden, sharp chest pain Shortness of breath Chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing Coughing up blood Rapid pulse Sweating Anxiety

Postthrombotic Syndrome Brownish discoloration of skin Swelling of legs Pain in the legs Sores on legs that heal slowly Itching Fragile skin that bruises easily

Dietary Considerations Effect of Vitamin K Green, leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, collard, turnip & mustard greens) are high in Vitamin K No supplements with Vitamin K

Anticoagulants Prevent new clots from forming Prevent existing clots from growing DO NOT BREAK UP or DISSOLVE EXISTING BLOOD CLOTS

Anticoagulants Heparin Warfarin 3 to 6 months

Additional Topics Thrombolytics Aspirin Statins Rapidly dissolve blood clots Used in very specific situations Aspirin Statins