Hospital staff countrywide, raise awareness of thrombosis
Thrombosis, or blood clots as the condition is more commonly known, is one of the main causes of stroke and heart attack, which are leading causes of cardiovascular deaths globally.
Netcare hospitals across the country aim to educate the general public and patients on the causes, symptoms and possible prevention of thrombosis on this day of commemoration for the disease.
Strokes, heart attacks and venous thromboembolism (VTE), which is a condition that includes both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The condition causes a blood clot to block a major artery in a lung, which can result in permanent disabilities or cause fatalities.
Dr Biancha Mentoor, clinical improvement lead said, “Many South Africans have heard of blood clotting, but few people know what VTE is and sadly a large number of individuals succumb to it. VTE also poses a great risk to patients before and after undergoing surgery and can impact their recovery.”
“When deep vein thrombosis is left untreated and progresses, it can cause parts of the blood clot to break away and enter the lungs, which in turn causes a potentially lethal pulmonary embolism. Together, deep vein thrombosis and a pulmonary embolism are known as a venous thromboembolism,” Dr Mentoor explained.
“It is tragic that close to a million people die worldwide as a result of VTE each year, especially considering the fact that it can often be prevented by doing a few basic exercises, making some small adjustments to your lifestyle or adding medicinal measures to the prevention regime,” noted Dr Anchen Laubscher, Netcare’s medical director, a firm supporter of the campaign.
The international Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis has partnered with Netcare to share their #keeplifemoving theme for this year’s Thrombosis Day activities at the various Netcare hospitals.
Dr Mentoor concluded by adding “Our activities on the day will include educating patients on the different types of leg exercises that can be done while in hospital to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots. This is an important component of the Netcare VTE prevention programme.”
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