This November, the American Venous Forum will begin its fourth annual National Venous Screening Program, an initiative to raise awareness and provide thousands of Americans with a free, four-part assessment for venous diseases, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Despite High Death Rates, Most Americans Have Little Awareness of DVT
People with venous diseases or those who are likely to develop them have a higher risk of DVT, which occurs when a thrombus, or blood clot, forms in the leg. If DVT goes undetected and untreated, the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, creating a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT symptoms include swelling, pain or tenderness, redness and warmth in the affected leg; however, about half of all cases occur without any noticeable symptoms – making it a silent killer.
The CDC reports that 300,000 – 600,000 people have DVT or PE, and of those with PE, nearly one-third (up to 60,000) die annually in the United States. The American Venous Forum, an international consortium of venous and lymphatic specialists, indicates the mortality rate is closer to 180,000. Despite the high number of deaths, a national survey conducted by the American Public Health Association reveals that 74 percent of Americans have little or no awareness of DVT, according to ClotCare.com.
However, risk-factor awareness and appropriate testing can lead to prevention and treatment of DVT/PE.
Free Screening Includes Questionnaire, Risk Assessment, Ultrasound and Leg Exam
From November to March each year, the American Venous Forum collaborates with hospitals and health care providers around the U.S. that are willing to be a host site for the National Venous Screening Program.
The non-invasive screening itself involves four steps:
- A brief demographic questionnaire;
- An assessment of DVT risk and venous-specific quality of life;
- A brief venous ultrasound exam; and
- An inspection of the legs for signs of chronic venous insufficiency.
Participants are given a copy of the screening results and educational material during an exit interview and encouraged to review the information with their primary care provider. Those interested in the free venous screening can visit the American Venous Forum's Web site for a list of participating locations.
In addition, the Coalition to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis offers a brief risk-assessment quiz, which is available on the coalition's Web site.
Prolonged Bed Rest, Serious Injury and Surgery are Major DVT Risk Factors
DVT is among the leading causes of preventable hospital death. It most often occurs
- When leg activity is restricted, such as after an injury, surgery or hospital stay – or even during a long car trip or plane flight.
- Following changes in the blood clotting system due to heredity or after an injury, surgery or other illness like cancer or heart disease.
- With trauma to the veins after a hip or leg fracture or total joint replacement.
Major risk factors include prolonged bed rest (more than three days), abnormal blood clotting, serious injury and surgery. Family or personal history of DVT, varicose veins and other forms of vascular disease, cardiovascular disease, restricted mobility, increasing age, obesity and hormone therapy can also play a role.
Jennifer Carroll - Writer and editor Jennifer Carroll stumbled into a freelance career in 2001. Since then she’s tackled Web sites, annual reports, ...
