The pathology is caused by the formation of a clot inside a vein, which can make it difficult or even hinder the return of blood to the heart; aging and sedentary lifestyle are among the main causes
A study carried out by the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (SBACV), with data from the Ministry of Health obtained from January 2012 to August 2023, reveals worrying data: more than 489 thousand Brazilians have been hospitalized due to thrombosis deep vein In the period. In the last year of the survey, the daily average of hospitalizations exceeded the threshold of 165 patients, a record for the period analyzed.
According to experts, these values tend to continue to rise. The causes of the increase in this disease – caused by the formation of a clot inside a vein, which can hinder or even impede the return of blood to the heart – are increasingly present in everyday life. OR aging of the population, for example, is one of these. “The further you advance, the greater the risks,” says vascular and endovascular surgeon Henrique Lamego Jr., coordinator of relations with clinical staff at the Israelita Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo.
Doctors explain that sedentary lifestyle it is another important risk factor, especially for people who spend a lot of time sitting. “Today we consider sitting as our new cigarette, because the human body was designed to be in movement and immobility favors the onset of many diseases, including thrombosis,” says vascular surgeon Aline Lamaita, a member of the Society Brazilian Angiology and Vascular Surgery and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
This happens because the calf muscles are an essential help in pumping blood from the legs to the heart, and when a person sits still for a long time, they do not work as they should. The use of hormoneswhich often happens indiscriminately, the obesityor to smoketo the varicose veins and the family history are other causes of the disease.
For those who work sitting or need to spend hours in the same position, the expert recommends getting up every hour and walking for five minutes. “Moving your legs, stretching, wearing elastic compression stockings and drinking lots of water, which improves blood circulation, also helps a lot,” he adds. “Leave the glass of water a little away, enough to make you get up from your chair to get it, but not enough to make you forget to drink it,” advises the vascular surgeon.
Increase in post-pandemic cases
A COVID-19 plays a role in this scenario too, as studies have revealed that in more severe cases it can trigger a thrombotic disease. “In recent years we have had a significant increase in the number of thrombosis caused by the coronavirus. Today we know that the rate of the problem in a person affected by Covid-19 reaches 16% and can also occur in asymptomatic patients”, says the specialist. Furthermore, the pandemic has forced many people to remain hospitalized for a long time and increase their sedentary lifestyle.
Another point that made the difference at the time was the increase in the population’s knowledge of deep vein thrombosis. “There has been great and massive publicity about the disease in the media, which has led many people to become suspicious of the symptoms they are displaying and to seek hospitals for diagnosis and treatment,” says angiologist and vascular surgeon Armando Lobato, president of the national SBACV.
Early diagnosis is very important
Pain and swelling in the affected leg, often starting from the calf, redness or warmth of the skin, swollen and visible veins, pain and sensitivity to touch are signs of the presence of deep vein thrombosis.
Treatment includes anticoagulant drugs, which help reduce the viscosity of the blood and dissolve the clot. Anticoagulant therapy is also indicated to prevent the formation of new clots.
Seek medical help as soon as possible at the first signs of the disease is very important. “Early diagnosis minimizes the risk of complications, such as migration of the clot into the pulmonary arteries, which can cause few symptoms if the clot is small, or trigger pulmonary hypertension, when the blood pressure in the lungs and on the right side of the the heart is higher than normal,” says angiologist Lobato.
“Early diagnosis of the condition also prevents or reduces the risk of pulmonary thromboembolism, a condition that can be very serious and occurs when the clot that has broken and traveled to the lungs blocks the passage of blood in one of the organ’s vessels , causing the progressive death of the affected area, causing cough, shortness of breath and pain when breathing, which can even lead to death”, adds doctor Einstein.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
