BLOOD CLOTS. (DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS AND PULMONARY EMBOLISM.)
When we develop a clot, mostly in our calf region we refer that as deep venous thrombosis (DVT). When the clot dislodges and travels back to the lung, we call it pulmonary embolism which is life threatening. Blood clots can occur anywhere in your body.
Due to prolonged sitting, poor diet and inactivity as a result of our current lifestyle habits, this conditions are becoming common.
NOTE: I have read articles published by journalist, claiming that WATCHING TV for long is associated with DVT. That’s absolutely WRONG. There is no evidence that shows relationship between watching TV and DVT. However prolonged sitting is associated with DVT. I can watch TV while on my treadmill exercising or while taking resting intervals to exercise my calf muscles after every 30 minutes.
Risk factors
These are factors that if present can be associated with occurrence of DVT. However the presence of these factors doesn’t necessarily imply the occurrence of DVT.
Being overweight/obese is also associated with development of DVT.
Pregnancy in the last trimester or after delivery. The production of relaxin hormone and accumulation of fluids in the lower limbs is associated with blood stasis.
Family history of DVT. Research shows that there is some genetic predisposition to the occurrence of DVT, however no conclusive evidence.
Smoking.
Use of birth control pills.
Hypertension.
Elderly- advanced age.
Post surgery.
Heart conditions among other.
Crossing legs while sitting facilitates formation of blood clot since it can cut/slow down blood flow.
Restrictive clothing are also associated with DVT. It’s important to note that non elastic restrictive clothes are more associated with DVT than elastic clothing.
How to identify DVT.
You will experince pain in the calf area.
Feet and calf swelling.
Warm skin at the calf region than other body part.
If you experience the signs, avoid walking and seek medication. Walking or use of the leg will dislodge the clot and result to pulmonary embolism which is deadly.
Blood clots are preventable and treatable.
Exercise regularly, eat health
