Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is common in adults over 60 years of age. A blood clot formed in a deep vein is known as deep vein thrombosis. The exact number of people affected by this condition is unknown. However, research discloses that as many as 900,000 people may be impacted by DVT each year in the U.S.
Young people are less likely to develop DVT than older adults. However, young people aren’t immune to this condition. A family history of blood clots, chronic stress, pregnancy, and fractures in the legs, pelvis, and hips or surgery increases an individual’s risk of DVT.
Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to prevent this condition. We’ll discuss a few of them here. But before that, let’s take a look at some of the common causes of DVT.
Causes of DVT
There are a number of causes of DVT. Some of them include:
1. Physical Inactivity
Long periods of inactivity constrict blood vessels in the legs and increase blood pressure. This decreases the flow of blood to the heart and legs, which increases a person’s risk of developing blood clots. Prolonged inactivity of any kind– bed rest, sitting in one position for too long or hours every day– causes DVT.
Traveling often also increases a person’s risk of developing DVT. This is because traveling requires sitting for long periods, which can cause blood to pool in your legs.
2. Cancer and its Treatments
Some cancers increase a person’s risk of developing blood clots, especially those involving the kidneys, ovaries, uterus, lungs, brain, stomach, and pancreas. Blood cancers such as myeloma and lymphoma also pose a greater risk for blood clots.
About one in five blood clots are linked to cancer and its treatment. That’s according to the latest research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The risk of developing a dangerous blood clot is high when treatment takes place, i.e., in the first few months after a cancer diagnosis.
Implantation of port-a-catheter for chemotherapy also puts cancer patients at risk of DVT. These people have long-term central venous ports for the administration of chemotherapy. This increases their risk of developing blood clots.
One brand whose implantable port has been under fire in recent years is Bard Access Systems.
A woman from Missouri, Patrice T, implanted with a single-lumen Bard PowerPort for the administration of chemotherapy to treat colon cancer, filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer. In her port catheter lawsuit, Patrice T claimed that the device’s rough surface, replete with pits, cracks, and fissures, increases the risk of blood clots and thromboembolism.
She accused the manufacturer and the doctors of failing to warn her about the risks of blood clots associated with Bard port-a-catheters.
Countless other people have also filed lawsuits against the manufacturer Bard Access Systems Inc. Currently, the Bard Powerport litigation is active, with 99 lawsuits pending consolidation, explains TorHoerman Law.
3. Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills and other hormone-based contraceptives elevate the risk of developing blood clots three-fold. Pills with higher doses of estrogen are more likely to cause blood clots. A woman’s risk of developing blood clots when on birth pills is high in the first year. The fluctuating hormonal levels make them susceptible to blood clots.
3 Ways to Prevent DVT
Fortunately, you can minimize your risk of developing blood clots in several ways. We’ve discussed the common ones below:
1. Be as Active as You Can
Staying active prevents DVT, as it improves the flow of blood. If your work involves sitting at the desk for prolonged hours, get up every hour or so. Take a brief walk. This will keep the blood flowing in a healthy way. Activities like walking, swimming, and biking also help improve blood flow. Consider adding them to your routine to prevent your risk of DVT.
2. Quit Smoking
A significant risk factor for DVT is smoking. If you smoke, consider quitting it.
The chemicals, tar, and tobacco in cigarettes harm the cells that line the blood vessels. This causes them to swell and inflame. This fundamental cellular impairment thickens the blood vessels and narrows them, increasing your risk of DVT.
Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but there are several things you can do to resist the urge. Prescription nicotine in an inhaler or a nasal spray and nicotine lozenges, gums, and patches can help you overcome intense cravings. Thus, you should give them a try. Chewing on hard candies or sugarless gums also helps resist a tobacco craving.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids to reduce your risk of blood clots.
Not drinking enough liquids reduces blood flow to the exercising muscles to a great extent. Dehydration also causes blood vessels to thicken and become narrow, which increases a person’s risk of developing DVT.
Drink eight to ten glasses of water per day to improve blood flow. Keeping yourself hydrated is especially important if you are immobile for long periods of time, such as long-haul flights.
To wrap things up, deep vein thrombosis is manageable and treatable if identified early enough. Staying active, quitting smoking, and keeping yourself hydrated will reduce your risk of developing DVT.
As obesity can hinder blood flow and lead to clots, try maintaining a healthy weight. Exercise regularly and eat a healthy, high-fiber diet. Also, avoid crossing your legs when sitting. Taking all these measures will lower your risk of developing blood clots.
