Vein Health Update - Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Norman N. Bein MD FACS RVT is a board certified surgeon in St. Louis and Washington, MO. In conjunction with the American Venous Forum. Dr Bein and his staff are hosting FREE vein screenings through March and April for those who are at risk for blood clots and venous disease in their deep or superficial veins and vein disease.
What is DVT?
Thrombosis means blood clots. These can occur anywhere in the body but most commonly occur in the deep and superficial veins of the lower legs. These can migrate to the
lungs and be potentially deadly PE (pulmonary embolism).
Who is at risk?
You may be at risk for deep vein thrombosis if you have inherited blood clotting disorders and/or varicose veins or if you have experienced any of these factors: family or personal history of blood clots in legs; past history of stroke, heart attack, serious injury, surgery or hospitalization; prolonged immobility during travel (auto, aircraft); hormonal changes (pregnancy, birth control meds, hormone replacement); obesity; inactivity; smoking history. Risk for DVT increases with age (after 50).
How can it be prevented?
DVT can be prevented with education about risk factors, including screenings such as the ones we are conducting. Other ways to prevent DVT are: weight loss, diet and exercise; wearing appropriate compression hose during medical procedures, when travelling or during periods of prolonged standing or immobility; early diagnosis and treatment of varicosities and the underlying vein malfunction.
How common is DVT and PE, Venous Insufficiency (CVI) and Superficial Thromboembolism (STE)? What are the signs?
2.5 million Americans are affected annually. 600,000 people are hospitalized annually for DVT. PE causes 200,000 deaths each year. These numbers are increasing. 500,000 people have ulcers caused by venous disease which can cause permanent damage. 24 million Americans have varicose veins and 10 times more people suffer from venous disease than Peripheral Artery disease (PAD). Untreated people can develop ulcers and clots over time.
Symptoms of DVT include:
Pain, swelling of the lower legs, red or blue appearance OR it can be completely silent. PE can cause shortness of breath, sweating, chest pain and collapse. This is a medical emergency and should be treated in hospital. CVI can cause pain, heaviness, aching, skin changes, ulcers in ankle, clots or inflammation in superficial veins. While not life threatening, earlier treatment prevents long term damage and return to full activity. STE is inflammation and clotting in a surface vein and is characterized by local pain, redness or hardness of the affected vein. Typically this remains localized but can cause a PE in some cases.
What is the American Venous Forum?
The American Venous Forum (AVF) is an international consortium of venous and lymphatic specialists dedicated to improving patient care. Our mission is to promote venous and lymphatic health through innovative research, education and technology. This includes increasing public awareness of acute and chronic venous diseases through education, identification and empowerment and remains the nation's only dedicated organized non-profit venous screening effort. Information from these screenings is sent to AVF to add to current statistics, identify risk groups and research.
Who should take advantage of our free screenings?
People over the age of 40 including those with varicose veins and the symptoms of venous disease (heaviness, aching, pain, swelling, leg cramps, skin changes or ulcers) should be screend for DVT at one of our free screenings. Anyone with the risk factors mentioned earlier - especially when several factors are present - should also get screened.
What does a screening involve?
Screening involves a short medical questionnaire, a brief physical examination of the legs (bring loose fitting shorts) and a brief ultrasound examination of the deep and superficial venous system. AVF then asks for a short exit survey. All in all, the screening takes 15 minutes and you will receive information about Deep Vein Thrombosis and Venous disease to read and share with family and friends. This includes current minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins and their causes.
Get Screened Today:
Call 314-993-8233 or 866-626- VEIN (8346) to schedule a time for a free screening. 11456 Olive Boulevard, Suite 200, Creve Coeur (St. Louis) 63141.
To save you time during your Vein Consultation please take the time to print and fill out these new patient forms. If you are not able to print these forms contact us here and we will mail you the forms. To view our online forms you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.
