Prevention
Depending upon the risk for DVT, different preventative measures are used. Walking and calf exercises reduce venous stasis because leg muscle contractions compress the veins and pump blood up towards the heart. In immobile individuals, physical compression methods improve blood flow. Anticoagulation, which increases the risk of bleeding, is typical when the benefits are thought to exceed the risks. The annual risk of major bleeding from long-term anticoagulation is about 3%, and the point where annual VTE risk is thought to warrant long-term anticoagulation is estimated to be between 3 and 9%. Usually, only when individuals exceed a 9% annual VTE risk is long-term anticoagulation a common consideration. Antithrombin deficiency, a strong or moderately strong risk factor, carries an annual risk of VTE of only 0.8–1.5%; as such, asymptomatic individuals with thrombophilia do not warrant long-term anticoagulation. Aside from anticoagulation, the anti-platelet drug aspirin appears effective in preventing VTE.
Read more about this topic: Deep Vein Thrombosis
Famous quotes containing the word prevention:
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