Media Release Mar 15 2008

Not limited to high flyers

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is often associated with air travel.

However, DVT is a condition that can also occur when your feet are firmly planted on the ground. In fact patients in hospital are amongst those at highest risk

Very few people are aware that DVT is part of a condition called venous thromboses (VTE) which hospitalises 30,000 Australians each year – the majority of these admissions are not air travel related.

VTE refers to two serious health conditions – deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the large veins, usually in the leg, leading to a partial or complete blockage of circulation.

While DVT itself is a serious condition, it can also lead to PE – which may be fatal and occurs when a blood clot or fragment of it breaks loose from the vein and travels to the lungs.

PE in the leading cause of preventable death in hospitalised patients which is why it is important for patients to be aware of risk factors and that staff are trained in prevention.

Seating in aeroplanes often restricts movement particularly leg movement, hence the popular link between long haul flights and DVT.

To raise VTE awareness, Professor Chris Ward, Director of Haematology Research at Royal North Shore Hospital and Thrombosis nurse Trish Goggin are at the forefront of a campaign at RNSH to reduce the risk of VTE.

“Increasing awareness among healthcare professionals and the community about risk factors and triggering events of VTE should lead to improved prevention and treatment of both conditions” said Dr Ward.

“Only 40-50 percent of people with DVT have obvious signs and symptoms.”

“The condition often goes unrecognised.”

“DVT may cause pain and swelling in one or both legs, or less commonly, in an arm. There may also be tenderness in the affected area, and an increase in skin temperature (compared to the unaffected limb).”

Dr. Ward suggests that patients also have a role to play in increasing the awareness of VTE.

“If you are admitted to hospital and have any of the risk factors for developing deep vein thromboses or pulmonary embolism, you should bring them to the attention of your medical practitioner or nurse.”

Risk of developing deep vein thromboses or pulmonary embolism may be increased by:
• Being 60 years of age or older
• A history of deep vein thromboses
• Active cancer
• Decompensated cardiac failure
• Acute or chronic lung disease
• Acute or chronic inflammatory disease
• Ischaemic stroke

For further information, call Trish on 9926 5263

Media Contact: Kristen Bunyard 02 9926 7199 or 0413 025 742

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