March marks the beginning of spring and is the month to raise awareness of two conditions that affect an estimated 300,000 to 600,000 Americans each year. It is Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month.
DVT is a condition in which a blood clot is formed in a vein that is deep within the body. These clots can cause swelling, pain and, most importantly, can travel through the veins causing a blockage. A pulmonary embolism is a blockage that is formed when a clot travels to the lungs.
Symptoms of DVT include swelling; pain; tenderness; and redness of the skin. PE symptoms include difficulty breathing; a faster heart rate than normal; chest pain or discomfort, which usually worsens with a deep breath or coughing; coughing up blood; and in severe cases, very low blood pressure, lightheadedness and blacking out. PE can be fatal in some cases.
If these conditions have affected you or someone you know, there is now a place for support. I encourage you to learn more about your health this spring:
Option 1:
has launched the area’s first PE and DVT support group. The first meeting will take place on Tuesday. The group provides a supportive environment for those facing these conditions and will include the chance for patients and caregivers to ask questions to nurse-physician co-leaders. In addition, quarterly meetings will cover topics such as living with a DVT and/or PE diagnosis, treatment options—including new treatment protocols, prevention techniques and guest lectures by physicians, pharmacists, nutritionists and physical therapists.
Click here for more information.
Option 2:
Shady Grove Adventist Hospital will hold the 6th Annual Spring into Better Health Event on Sunday, April, 22, offering a wide range of free vascular and cardiac screenings. The event will also include “health chats” on cardiac and vascular topics from Shady Grove Adventist Hospital medical experts.
Call 800-542-5096 for more information and to register.
Option 3:
Take our DVT risk assessment to find out your risk.
