DVT: The Silent Killer

By Susan Hecht, RN, Nursing Rehabilitation Liaison

Deep vein thrombosis affects up to 2 million Americans each year. DVT is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the legs, usually leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. If untreated, this clot has the potential to travel to the lungs and block circulation to vital organs.

Learning the preventable measures and becoming aware of the disease will decrease the possibility of having a DVT. I have taken a special interest in this topic because I do not feel there is enough education in the community regarding deep vein thrombosis. Most people have never heard of DVT. The key prevention is AWARENESS. Learning who is at risk and why is a very important step in learning how to prevent becoming a DVT victim.

DVT is often caused by immobilization, trauma and surgery. Some of the more common symptoms are pain and swelling in the legs. Preventative measures include early mobilization, compression devices to promote blood flow and/or anti-coagulation therapy prescribed by your physician.

At Saint Francis Hospital, we’ve taken on the challenge of spreading awareness about DVT. We will be hosting a DVT Awareness Day on Thursday, Sept. 20. We will be joined by Melanie Bloom, widow of the late NBC Correspondent David Bloom who died in the early stages of the Iraq War from DVT complications. Melanie Bloom, the national spokesperson for the Coalition to Prevent DVT, will participate in a DVT Awareness presentation and question and answer session from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at our Atrium Community Conference Center.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged. Please RSVP at 845-483-5777.