Circulatory Disorders- Dvt

Biology Unit 18- subsidisation 4 Circulatory Disorders. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Overview Deep Vein Thrombosis, too known as DVT is a resistable circulatory disorder which occurs when a tear clot is formed in a plentiful nervure, they commonly develop in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but evict everywherely occur in the arms. DVT can cause pain and swelling and can lead to complications much(prenominal)(prenominal) as a pulmonary embolism, besides DVT is preventable and if diagnosed early treatable. How DVT forms (leg vein)Veins pass done the mysterious tissues of the legs there are petty veins located just below the surface of the cutis and mystic veins which playact between muscles. These veins transport rake from the legs and feet back up to the heart. When a thrombosis ( alliance clot) forms in a apparent(prenominal) vein the condition is known as superficial thrombophlebitis, this is different to DVT and is not as serious. DVT occurs when a thrombus build s up in these deep veins which severalisely or completely block the lam of rail line through the vein.Many subscriber line clots are so small that our bodies can gradually kick downstairs them down returning the flow back to normal. However when a monolithic job clot occurs It can completely block the flow of blood ca utilise swelling and tenderness (although symptoms ar e not always visible). Blood clots can become extremely dangerous If a part of it breaks off and travels up to the lungs, this is called a pulmonary embolism, it is extremely dangerous and in worst cases can cause death. People At RiskAlmost anyone can coerce DVT but there are factors which can significantly gain psyches chances of developing the condition, e particular(prenominal)ly if someone has one or to a greater extent of these risk factors at the same time. Below are some of the factors which could increase the risk of contracting DVT An injury to one of the deep veins caused by a fracture, severe muscle injury or major surgery. Slow blood flow caused by paralysis, sitting for a retentive time (especially with legs crossed, limit movement e. g a leg cast or sweat to a bed. Increased oestrogen for example during pregnancy, when victimization birth take care pills or hormone replacement therapy. Certain chronic medical illnesses such as Cancer and its treatment, heart disease and lung disease. Previous DVT or family history of the disorder. Age, obesity, smoking or blood pressure. Symptoms of DVT Small blood clots which the personify can gradually break down show no symptoms however large clots which partly or completely block the bloody flow cause symptoms such as swelling to the affected area, pain or tenderness, a change in colour of the skin or skin which feels warm or hot to touch.Diagnosing DVT A GP ordain aim about the symptoms you have and examine the area. If they lightlyk DVT is suspected a referral to a specialist is taken into action, at hospital the fo llowing trial runs will be conducted. D-Dimer- A test that measures the substance which develops when a blood clot breaks down, if the test has a negative result it is unlikely that DVT is the problem. Doppler Ultrasound- A test using sound waves to look at your blood as it flows through your blood vessels, this is the best test to detect blood clots above the knee. Venogram- This is involves injecting a special dye into the suspected vein which shows up on an X-ray. Treatment When DVT is diagnosed decoagulant medicines are the standard treatment, these thin the blood by changing the chemicals wi thin it, they stop new clots from forming and old ones from getting bigger. Anticoagulants cant fade out clots you already have as your body will do that over time. Thrombolytic medicines are also sometimes used which dissolve the blood clots, although they can cause bleeding so are not commonly the most common of treatments.Compression socks are also advised to be feeble (sometimes for up to two years), these ease the pain, reduce swelling and help to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome Preventable Measures At infirmary after(prenominal) being assessed for the risk of DVT a healthcare team will recommend various things to prevent blood clotting. If going into hospital and the patient is taking the combined contraceptive pill, using HRT or aspirin than they would be asked to stop taking these, ordinarily 4 weeks for contraceptive pills or HRT and one week for aspirin. During Hospital Whilst at hospital a healthcare team can do a number of things to reduce the risk of DVT such as providing anticoagulant medicines or advising the patient to wear abridgement stockings helping to keep the blood in your legs circulating or having the patient wear a concretion device which is worn the same way as stockings but inflates at regular intervals to squeeze your legs and encourage blood flow. When leaving hospital If chronic treatment is necessary the patient will be aske d to continue have on compression stockings or taking anticoagulant medicines. LifestyleWe can do several things by adapting our lifestyle which will considerably reduce our chances such as getting regular exercise, not smoking, keeping at a healthy weight and eating healthy Travelling When travelling for long distances it is important to perform leg exercises and keep moving if possible, by tipsiness plenty of water and avoiding alcohol this will decrease the chances, wearing compression stockings can also help.References Internet Bupa. (2009) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)http//hcd2. bupa. co. uk/fact_sheets/ hypertext mark-up language/deep_vein_thrombosis. html2 Accessed on 20/10/10 CDC. 2010) Facts about deep vein thrombosis http//www. cdc. gov/ncbddd/dvt/508-DVTFactSheet. pdf Accessed on 20/10/10 NHS. (2010) Deep vein thrombosis http//www. nhs. uk/conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/Pages/Introduction. aspx Accessed on 17/10/10 NHS. (2010) Deep vein thrombosis taproom http//www. nh s. uk/Conditions/Deep-vein-thrombosis/Pages/Prevention. aspx Accessed on 18/10/10 Electronic Journal Cayley,W. (2007) Preventing deep vein thrombosis in hospital inpatients British Medical Journal http//www. bmj. com/ pith/335/7611/147. full? sid=69a2603d-597a-45dd-b164-699d873e01f5 Accessed on 22/10/10 Books Mackean, D. (2002) Gcse Biology third ed. London, UK Hodder Education Boyle, M. (2008) Collins Advanced Science Human Biology tertiary ed. London, UK Collins Educational Reference Evaluation All recourses used as a reference have been carefully selected and are reliable found upon many factors including Authors credentials, recent published dates, up to date editions and scholarly publishers. After an initial appraisal I then examined the body of the source, for example the discipline Health Service is politically accountable to the relevant devolved government and will always hold the most up to date and accurate information.