27-02-2025
Deep Vein Thrombosis awareness month
PEORIA, Ill (WMBD) — Dr. Surya Chaturvedula, an interventional cardiologist with Carle Health was on WMBD This Morning to talk about Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) awareness month.
He explained a DVT 'is a blood clot that's formed in one of the deep veins in the body.'
And while that sounds scary, clots are a normal part of the human experience, he said.
'We need to clot so that we don't bleed to death, but when blood clots happen for no good reason, that can't be good,' the doctor said.
A DVT can occur in the veins that return the blood to a person's heart. The clot can then migrate, something called an embolism, and if they reach the lungs, it could be very serious, Chaturvedula said.
The doctor said a DVT could affect your limbs, so pain, swelling and discoloration could be some symptoms, but then it could progress into pulmonary embolism.
'The fatal nature of pulmonary embolism is if you start experiencing Chest pain, Light headedness, Out of breath, Throbbing or cramping in arm or leg. Those would be symptoms you should seek emergency medical attention for', and all that spells 'CLOT'.
Chaturvedula pointed out that an active lifestyle decreases the risks, obesity is an increase of risk, and he said that genetics also plays a roll, but 'no one is protected from it.'
For more information, watch the video above.
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