Deep Vein Thrombosis
WHAT IS DVT?
DVT stands for Deep Vein Thrombosis and is a disease of the
circulation. It is a medical condition where blood has clotted and
caused a blockage or obstruction in the circulation within a deep
vein - usually in the lower extremities i.e legs, thighs and
pelvis. When a DVT occurs, it moves so slowly that it forms a solid
clot which becomes wedged in the vein. The veins involved primarily
deal with returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart where the
quick & efficient return is crucial to the circulation system.
A clot is a normal form of injury repair which can, in some
instances, develop into a problem.
WHO GETS DVT?
On average, roughly 1 in 1,000 people will suffer
from a DVT. Most patients are 40+, but DVT can occur in almost
anyone. Factors to consider include genetics, environment or post
operative (knee or hip surgery), after infection or vascular injury
(Crohn's or cancers), pregnancy, oral contraception, and lack
of mobility for long periods in cramped conditions, such as
travelling.
SYMPTOMS
May include areas of pain, swelling,
discolouration, skin warm or hot to touch, but 50% of cases have
minimal or silent symptoms. Imaging study such as ultrasound with a
Doppler meter to measure blood flow is an accurate way of checking
symptoms, even the smallest of clots. Blood tests can also give a
good indication of a thrombosis. A test that measures the levels of
a by-product of clotting material called D-dimer is commonly used.
BE AWARE that other conditions like muscle strains, skin
infections, pleurisy, inflammation of superficial veins (phlebitis)
give similar symptoms.
REPORT ALL SYMPTOMS TO YOUR MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER AT THE
EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY.
Early detection can be a life saver - it will reduce the risk of
contracting PE or Pulmonary Embolisms which can be fatal. 1 in 10
people die of a pulmonary embolism if it is left untreated. A piece
of the clot breaks off and travels through the body, eventually
lodging in the lung; this can lead to severe breathing
difficulties. Rarer occurrences include part of the clot lodging in
other organs, especially the brain, which can lead to strokes.
TREATMENT
Up to two thirds of DVT sufferers need to be hospitalised during
the early stages, with the aim being to dissolve the clot and
prevent any more forming. The main treatment for DVT and similar
blood clotting problems is medicines which will thin the blood and
allow it to flow easily. Usually, on diagnosis, high doses of the
drug Heparin are injected. A similar drug, Warfarin, may also be
given, normally in tablet form and for a number of months. Regular
blood tests are needed whilst undergoing treatment to confirm that
the right dose is being administered and there is no risk of a
haemorrhage. To relieve the symptoms of DVT, pain killers and heat
may be applied to the area affected. Patients are encouraged to
move around and to wear compression stockings over the whole length
of the leg.
PREVENTION
Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes for long distance travel.
Also invest in elastic support stockings or socks and use them! If
possible, get up and move around on long distance travel - go the
toilet or buffet area on trains, coaches and planes, take frequent
breaks if driving, especially on journeys of 2 or more hours. Drink
plenty of fluids and keep hydrated - alcohol and caffeine drinks
are dehydrating, better to drink water or similar. When seated,
shift body position - fidget - it could save your life! Whilst sat
in work or travelling, do simple exercises such as leg lifts, ankle
rotation, buttock and fist clenching as these may help stop the
blood "pooling" in the feet- if you do these in the
office environment, be aware of who or what may be behind you
before you start moving yourself or your chair.
GENETICS
If there is a family history of early age (under
40) deaths from DVT or pulmonary embolism, ask your GP to refer you
to your local Haematology department. A simple blood test is all
that is required. If either parent carries the Prothrombin Gene
Variant, you have a 50/50 chance of inheriting it. It increases
your risk of a DVT from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10.
CONCLUSION
DVT is preventable if you take care of yourself.
Keep yourself hydrated and active. Report all possible symptoms.
Prevention is better than cure.
IF IN DOUBT, CHECK IT OUT!
- A Proposition carried at 2004 CWU Conference asked the Executive Council to investigate the implications of Deep Vein Thrombosis and DSE for our members, particularly if seated for prolonged periods and during DSE breaks.
A DVT, which is normally associated with long haul air travel, is a blood clot, which develops, usually in the veins of the legs, and it may cause swelling and pain in the calf. Complications from DVT can result from a clot breaking off and lodging elsewhere in the circulation, which can be life threatening.
Following conference, the T&FSE Health Safety and
Environment Sub Committee contacted health professionals, which
came back with the advice that they were not aware of any evidence
linking DVT with sedentary work. CWU Research Department also
conducted wide-ranging research for the sub committee and found
considerable media references to computer use contributing to DVT.
It was concluded however that references to the risk of Deep Vein
Thrombosis in display screen users emanated from an article by
Richard Beasley, which appeared in an issue of European Respiratory
Journal, and referred to a man in New Zealand who sat in front of
his PC for up to eighteen hours per day and developed a blood clot.
The European Respiratory Journal reported this case of the young
man from New Zealand who nearly died after developing deep vein
thrombosis following long periods of physical inactivity in front
of his computer.
T&FSE Health Safety and Environment Sub Committee conclude
therefore, that after researching the issue raised by Proposition
53, that there is currently no conclusive evidence linking normal
display screen users being at risk to DVT. The HSE and CWU advise
employers and members that adequate rest breaks away from the
workstation must be taken to control the potential physical and
psychological health risks. Walking around and stretching during
breaks exercises muscles and increases blood circulation, which
relieves tension and reduces the risk of visual fatigue and
musculoskeletal disorders and is encouraged. The sub committee will
however continue to monitor the situation.
References
BBC News
www.dvt.org
BUPA - Factsheet
Deep Vein Thrombosis - Reducing the Risks
To contact the department: healthandsafety@cwu.org
