One in four people die worldwide from illnesses linked to blood clots, and the thrombosis is the leading cause of preventable hospital deaths worldwide.
In Europe each year, 544,000 deaths are linked to thrombosis. “A thrombosis refers to a vein or artery that becomes blocked, most often by the formation of a blood clot. The blood clot can, for example, start from a deep vein in the leg and travel towards the lungs. and embolize a pulmonary artery: this is pulmonary embolism”, describes Dr Marc Samama, University Professor, director of the DMU anesthesia-resuscitation-perioperative medicine, GH APHP.centre-Université Paris Cité and Member of the steering committee of the World Thrombosis Day, which takes place every October 13.
What are the signs of thrombosis?
On its tenth anniversary, World Thrombosis Day encourages people to get movingbecause simple movements, such as walking and stretching, can increase blood circulation and help reduce the risk of blood clots.
The most common signs of a blood clot in the legOr thrombosis deep vein vein (DVT), may be pain or tenderness in the calf, swelling in the ankle or foot, visible redness or discoloration, and/or warmth in the area. “What should alert us is pain, enlargement of the leg, warmth, redness, loss of tossing of the calf“, inform the doctor.
Signs of a blood clot in the lungs, or pulmonary embolism (PE), may be unexplained shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain, increased heart rate, and/or lightheadedness or loss of consciousness. Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism requires emergency treatment.
Thrombosis of a cerebral veinquite rare, causes headache, vision problems, discomfort or loss of consciousness.
The symptoms of thrombosis are not well known enough
“One of the reasons why thrombosis ends up being the cause of death for one in four people worldwide is that many of its symptoms are synonymous with other common conditions. explains Doctor Lana Castelluccipresident of the steering committee of the World Day of thrombosis.
“When someone has a leg cramp, for example, they are unlikely to seek screening for blood clots, which unfortunately can lead to death.
There are risk factors for venous thromboembolism that are temporary and others that are permanent. Look in this slideshow to see if you have any risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing blood clots. And if you are at risk, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight (here’s how to calculate your BMI).
