Hyderabad, March 23, 2025: Blood clots in veins can pose a severe health risk, but daily walking can help prevent them, said Dr. Bollineni Bhaskar Rao, CMD of KIMS Group of Hospitals. To raise awareness on this issue, KIMS Hospital organized a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) awareness walk at Jalavayu Vihar on Necklace Road in Hyderabad on Sunday at 7 AM. Minister Raja Narasimha attended as the chief guest, while KIMS Hospitals CMD Dr. Bollineni Bhaskar Rao and KIMS Vascular Surgery Head Dr. Narendranath Meda, Surgical Oncologist Dr. Nagendraparvathaneni, Dr. Francis Sridhar, Dr. Jagadessh participated as honorary guests.
DVT Cases Even in Developed Countries
Dr. Rao highlighted that even in developed countries like the U.S., DVT is a significant issue. “Every year, around 900,000 people are affected by DVT in the U.S., with 100,000 losing their lives. It is a major cause of preventable deaths. Early detection, effective treatment, and daily walking can help overcome this issue. Blood clots in veins are not just a medical condition but a growing public health crisis,” he stated.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent DVT
Dr. Rao, highlighted that although DVT is more common in older individuals, young people are also at risk due to sedentary lifestyles, long-haul flights, and extended bed rest. The 2025 theme for Blood Clot Awareness Month is "Do Your Part to Stop the Clot: A Call to Action!", urging everyone—patients, doctors, and the public—to play an active role in prevention. Regular walking is essential, and during long journeys, people should take breaks to move around. Those already at risk should wear compression stockings and take prescribed blood thinners. Advanced treatments like Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis can help dissolve or remove clots.
importance of early detection and treatment to reduce the risks associated with DVT. He noted that DVT can also occur in the arms and abdominal areas, not just the legs. Symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain may indicate a severe condition. Those traveling for over three hours by car, train, or plane should take precautions. Even without clear risk factors, DVT can occur, making daily movement and proper posture critical. If taking blood thinners, it is advisable to delay air travel for 2-3 weeks.
DVT Symptoms and Prevention
Dr. Narendranath Meda, Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon at KIMS, explained that conditions like Acute Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) can lead to long-term complications and even death. Due to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy habits, DVT is increasingly seen in the general population. March is observed globally as DVT Awareness Month. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more veins, usually in the legs, leading to restricted blood flow. These clots can travel to the heart or lungs, becoming life-threatening. Many people fail to recognize DVT, mistaking it for simple leg swelling. However, symptoms include leg pain, swelling, discoloration, and warmth. In many cases, the lack of noticeable symptoms delays treatment, increasing fatality risks.
Comments