DVT Learning Experience

By Susan Hecht, R.N.

A Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. It is possible for this clot to break away and travel throughout the body to vital organs causing severe damage. Some of the risk factors for DVT are surgery, hereditary blood-clotting disorders, increasing age, hospitalization, and prolonged sitting – like when you drive or fly long distances.

American Airlines, among others airlines, has recognized this prolonged sitting risk factor. They are presently educating their passengers prior to departures. They go on to explain in their airline magazine, “American Way,” what a DVT is, the risk factors, possible symptoms, ways to reduce risk and, most importantly, In-Flight Exercises that can be done to continue to keep the blood circulating during long flights and prolonged sitting.

Some of these exercises are ankle circles, foot pumps, knee lifts, and knee to chest exercises. It is very pleasing to see that the awareness and education of DVT is being presented to the community. Several months ago, Saint Francis Hospital presented a free community seminar on the topic. Our speaker was Melanie Bloom, whose husband, NBC News Correspondent David Bloom, died from DVT complications.

Educating people regarding health issues is the first step to prevention. Recently, Arizona Diamondbacks player Chad Tracy had knee surgery. Not knowing the risk factors, he was already at risk for DVT related to the surgery, but he then traveled from his home in North Carolina home to Phoenix to have his knee examined by team doctors.

After flying home he began to experience calf pain that “he didn’t think much about” because he thought it was related to the surgery. This pain became more intense and he went to a hospital emergency room.

“The doctors think the flight brought it out,” Tracy topld the Associated Press. “Some people get clots from flying – deep vein thrombosis they call it – and others can get it from surgery. It could have been a combination of the two for me.”
Tracy is recovering without any difficulties because he received the treatment he needed. Possible symptoms of DVT include leg or calf pain, swelling, and redness. Any concerns should be addressed to your primary care physician, immediately.