DVT or also termed as deep vein thrombosis is a condition where blood clots occur in deep veins making it impossible for free movement of the blood through the veins. Such a situation is serious and requires immediate medical attention before it turns out to be a fatal.
The blood clot which ultimately leads to PE initially appears elsewhere in the body. However, the first visible appearance begins in the legs or arms. It is here that things turn southwards and the individual suffers from Pulmonary Embolism (PE), which blocks the entrance of blood and oxygen to the lungs. In such cases, death is imminent. It not only prevents the passage of blood to the lungs, but also to other vital organs such as liver, brain, brain, kidney, and others.
What Percentage of Patients with DVT Develop PE?
DVT and PE have enhanced into a significant public health problem. According to a study carried out in the year 1998, which consisted of a 25-year population, and overall age and sex annual incidence, the VTE ratio stood at 1.17 for every 1,000 people. It included 0.48 for DVT and the rest for PE. Applying these figures to the existing population resulted in the same output! Today, approximately, 300,000 Americans suffer from DVT and PE. However, the results could vary and be on the higher side, as it is difficult to identify the presence of DVT in the earlier stage, which in turn leads to PE and death. Additionally, there will be a growth in the ratio, as the illness rises along with age and other health conditions.
The following risk factors are prone to increase the ratio among DVT patients to accumulate with PE:
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Previous injuries that damaged veins
- Damage to inner lining of the veins
- Any recent experience of trauma
- A recent surgery
- Use of contraceptive pill or have undergone hormone therapy
- Use of tobacco products
Additional Causes of PE in DVT Patients
Like any other illnesses, age and gender too have a specific role to play in raising the ratio of development of PE among DVT patients. For instance, the appearance of the illness is one among every 100,000 children, which is negligible in terms of ratio.
Incidents tend to increase slowly according to the age. The growth begins at the age of 40 and continues to show a steady increase over the next decade. People will then see a dramatic increase, reaching the count to 1,000 for every 100,000 people in an annum.
As we speak about the occurrence and the ratio, women are prone to higher risk during their pregnancy period. Nonetheless, the risk factor is low in comparison to that of senior men and women. Nevertheless, men reaching the age of 50 and above, show higher signs of the illness at a faster rate.
Apart from the discussed risk factors for the occurrence of the illness, the presence of deep vein thrombosis is a genetic condition too! A patient with a family history of DVT will acquire one, and even after attending to the situation, he or she will show one or more episodes of the same.
Treatment for DVT to Prevent PE
Use of medications, exercises, and surgery are the options to cure DVT and prevent the occurrence of PE. The doctor will collect the medical history and understand the condition to provide a definitive cure. Apart from the treatment alone, it is further crucial for the individual to continue with the preventive measures lifelong to avoid recurrence of another episode of DVT, which will lead to pulmonary embolism and death.
Also Read:
- DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
- What is Pulmonary Embolism: Causes, Symptoms, Signs, Risk Factors
- What is the Treatment for Pulmonary Embolism & How Long is its Recovery Period?
- How is Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosed & What are its Complications?
- Warning Signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis: How do I know if I have DVT?
- Symptoms and Dangers of DVT
