World Thrombosis Day

It is World Thrombosis Day today.

To show support you should be wearing red and blue. This could be a little awkward the day before the election!

These are some important facts about blood clots you might like to share with others …

Over 50% of all blood clots occur either in hospital or soon after discharge.

Globally, over 10 million cases of hospital associated blood clots occur each year.

Risks of having a blood clot ?

Strong Risk

• being in hospital
• having surgery
• immobility (bed rest, long-distance travel)

Moderate Risk

• age (60+)
• a previous blood clot
• family history of blood clots (50% will have a known thrombophilia)
• cancer
• contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy

Other Risk Factors

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Smoking
• Alcohol

Blood clot signs and symptoms 

These symptoms do not always occur

DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

• pain or tenderness often starting in the calf
• swelling including the ankle or foot
• redness or discolouration of the calf
• warmth

Pulmonary Embolus (PE)

• unexplained shortness of breath
• rapid breathing
• chest pain (often associated with deep breathing)
• rapid heart rate
• feeling light-headed

Think about the risk of blood clots if you go to hospital 

• Blood clots (Pulmonary embolism and DVT) cause more deaths in hospital than heart attacks, pneumonia or infections.
• They can often be prevented if people are given prophylactic anticoagulants, usually a once daily injection of a type of heparin such as enoxaparin. Hospitals may also encourage leg exercises or ask people to wear compression stockings.
• All hospitals should have a prophylaxis policy. You should have an assessment for your risk of clots and a staff member should discuss this with you and explain any treatment. If this does not happen, please ask about it.

You can get more information from the World Thrombosis Day Website