The Center for Disease Control estimates that as many as 900,000 Americans are living with DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis). The medical condition is the cause of death for 60,000-100,000 people each year. For countless more, it results in long term complications such as swelling or pain. In some cases, DVT increases the risk of heart attacks. Although experts put the chances of developing DVT at one in every 1000, certain genetic factors and demographics can greatly increase your risk – including your age. Seniors patients have been shown to be at a higher risk of developing DVT, and although the consequences can be long term or sometimes fatal, it is treatable.
What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
The American Venous Forum defines Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) as a condition where you develop a blood clot in the deep veins of your leg. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the blood clots normally form in your leg veins, and the condition can also affect deep vein in other parts of your body on some rare occasions. With the formation of a blood clot, blood circulation between the leg and heart is hampered. This can produce a list of long term complications. Most patients that have DVT are also at risk of developing pulmonary embolism (PE), which is where the clot travels through the bloodstream to the heart or lungs. Around 10 percent of those with DVT develop a pulmonary embolism.
Are Seniors More Likely To Be Diagnosed?
It has been reported that the cumulative likelihood of developing DVT lies between 2 and 5 percent. Younger people do present a reduced chance of developing the medical condition. This is because age and a sedentary lifestyle (both factors that are synonymous with a senior lifestyle) are two of the leading causes of DVT. There have also been some claims that the increased risk of DVT as you age is attributed to the fact that your blood is more likely to clot as you get older.
However, age is not the only factor that can increase your risk of being diagnosed with DVT. Sitting or standing for long periods can also contribute, according to the Center for Disease Control. This is why they recommend taking breaks and walking around every 2-3 hours if you are on a long car or plane journey. With many seniors leading an inactive lifestyle, the link between the two is clear. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)’s report showed that Americans spend 6.4 hours sitting each day, placing them at a growing risk of obesity, heart disease and DVT. Interestingly obesity is also one of the known factors causing DVT, since it can create additional strain on your body and your veins. In 2019, a staggering 28.5 percent of seniors aged 65 and older were classed as being obese in America.
How Do I Know I May Have DVT?
The symptoms of DVT may not show up immediately, and sometimes they do not appear at all unless a complication presents itself. Still, a majority of cases report a few common signs, including swelling of the leg accompanied by pain, tenderness and cramping. You may also find that the pain increases when bending the affected foot, or that there is a resulting redness/ skin discoloration.
What Can I Do If I Do Have DVT?
If you do suspect you have DVT or find yourself in any of the risk categories mentioned above, it is best to speak to your doctor right away. Medically, DVT can be treated using blood thinners or clot busters. This helps to keep the blood clot in place and in some cases, dissolve it. Most doctors recommend DVT patients wear diabetic socks or compression stockings to prevent blood pooling in the leg or growth of the clot. This is something you can easily incorporate into your nightly routine at home, along with regular leg circulation exercises.
For seniors, this may take the form of simply moving around more by walking, swimming, yoga or trying other senior-friendly exercises. You also want to skip or limit your alcohol intake if you are living with DVT. Alcohol can reduce the effect of some anticoagulants. It is also recommended that you check the interaction of your blood thinners with any other medication you may be taking, including ibuprofen. Seniors aged 65-69 take an average of 15 prescriptions per year, while seniors aged 80-84 take 18 a year, according to the American Association of Consultant Pharmacists. Therefore, this point is crucial for seniors living with DVT.
Lastly, try to incorporate a DVT friendly diet into your eating habits, including the avoidance of fried or fatty foods, processed foods and large portion sizes. While DVT is a very real issue for the aging population in the US, with early detection and great management habits, there is no reason why you cannot go on to live a happy, healthy life.
Author Credit: Allie Oliver
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