March 7, 2008
As part of the fifth annual Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness Month, UAB Hospital is hosting a free public lecture on DVT prevention on Monday, March 10 at noon at the Margaret Cameron Spain Auditorium, located on the corner of 19th Street and 7th Avenue South. Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms and partially or completely blocks blood flow inside a deep vein, typically located in the calf or thigh. If the blood clot breaks free and travels to the lungs it may obstruct the pulmonary artery or one of its branches causing a pulmonary embolism and blocking blood flow to the heart.
Certain individuals may be at increased risk for developing DVT; however, it can occur in almost anyone. Additional risk factors include severely restricted mobility due to acute illness, cancer, congestive heart failure or respiratory failure, certain surgeries, such as hip or knee replacements, advanced age, oral contraceptives or hormone therapy. The lecture is designed to help the public understand the causes and warning signs of DVT.
According to the American Heart Association, up to 2 million Americans are affected annually by DVT. Pulmonary embolisms cause nearly 300,000 deaths in the United States each year, more than AIDS and breast cancer combined.
"Providing our patients with the best quality care possible is a top priority, said James Lyman, M.D., Director of Hospital Services at UAB, who will be speaking at the event. "While DVT and pulmonary embolisms cost the American health care system an estimated $340 million annually nationwide, it takes a far greater toll on human lives. By heightening awareness of the risk factors and ensuring appropriate preventative measures are taken, our goal is to reduce the incidence of this condition."