2023-10-17 12:20:00
Thromboembolism: A Silent Danger on the Rise in Thailand
On October 13, the Hematology Association of Thailand, in collaboration with several leading medical institutions, will be organizing a seminar on “Blood Thrombosis: A Silent Danger that can be Prevented” to raise awareness about thromboembolism. This comes as the number of cases of blood clots in the lungs and legs has increased significantly in Thailand over the past five years.
While many people are aware of conditions like stroke and coronary heart disease, which primarily affect the arteries, fewer are familiar with venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition characterized by blood clots that occur in the veins. VTE most commonly occurs in the legs or lungs and can have serious complications if left untreated.
According to Prof. Dr. Phonphat Rojanakarin, President of the Hematology Association of Thailand, deep vein thrombosis, a form of VTE, is becoming more prevalent worldwide. It affects approximately 1 in 1,000 people globally, with 1 in 4 people dying from blood clots. In fact, venous thromboembolism is the third most commonly diagnosed condition after coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease.
In Thailand, the number of patients with blood clots in the lungs has doubled over the past five years, while cases of blood clots in the legs have increased by 1.3 times. Environmental factors and lifestyle changes are believed to be contributing to this rise. Unfortunately, over 80% of individuals with VTE do not exhibit any symptoms or have unclear symptoms, making early detection and prevention challenging.
Certain high-risk groups are more susceptible to developing venous thromboembolism. These include cancer patients, individuals who have undergone surgery or experienced prolonged periods of immobility, pregnant women, individuals with chronic diseases, and those with a family history of VTE. It is crucial for these individuals to be aware of the warning signs and take preventive measures.
Symptoms of blood clots in the legs include swelling, pain, tenderness, redness, and warmth in one leg. On the other hand, pulmonary embolism, which occurs when blood clots from the legs travel to the lungs, presents symptoms such as breathlessness, rapid breathing, chest pain, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and coughing up blood. If left untreated, blood clots in the legs can escape and lead to life-threatening complications.
To reduce the risk of developing venous thromboembolism, individuals should avoid known risk factors such as obesity, smoking, and prolonged periods of sitting or immobility. Regular exercise helps improve blood circulation, while staying hydrated is crucial to prevent blood thickening. It is also important to inform healthcare providers about any history of blood clots and to wear elastic stockings when necessary.
The occurrence of venous thromboembolism in post-surgery patients can be mitigated through various preventive measures. These include administering anticoagulants, encouraging physical movement, massaging the leg muscles, and using medical stockings. Ramathibodi Hospital has introduced a pre-surgery patient risk assessment to identify individuals at high risk and provide appropriate protection.
The cost of prevention measures for venous thromboembolism has proven to be economically worthwhile in terms of preventing complications and deaths. The medical community plays a crucial role in raising awareness and implementing preventive strategies.
As the incidence of venous thromboembolism continues to rise in Thailand, it is imperative that individuals and healthcare providers work together to understand and address this silent danger. The upcoming seminar on “Blood Thrombosis” aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to prevent and treat thromboembolism effectively.]
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