City doctors on awareness walk

Hyderabad: Vascular Surgeons of the city came together and organised a walk at Jalvihar on Sunday to create awareness among masses about the Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots. The campaign was held in association with Vascular Society of India. As many as 400 people took part in the walk.

According to Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, it was estimated that 10 to 30 per cent of people will die within one month of diagnosis, if not intervened and treated immediately. Dr Narendranadh Meda consultant vascular surgeon, KIMS Hospital said, “On an average out of every 10 cases in vascular OPD, two cases were of DVT or its complications. According to American Heart Association on an average, one person dies of blood clot in every six minutes. Pregnant women and new mothers are also highly susceptible.

DVT is most common in rural areas than in cities. One of the reasons is women not drinking enough water. The concentration of the blood increases when the body dehydrates and this increases the risk of blood coagulation (clotting). “It is preventable if they drink enough water,” he said. Calf exercises, walking, deep breathing exercises can prevent blood clots, he said.

The people suffering from DVT, one-half will have long-term complications (post-thrombotic syndrome) such as swelling, pain, discoloration and scaling in the affected limb. One-third (about 33 per cent) with DVT/PE will have a recurrence within 10 years. Normal people who are at high risk include the old, immobile patients, post stroke, persons with a history of cancer.