DVT another off shoot of modern lifestyle

New Delhi, Mar 15 (UNI) If you lead a sedentary life, work for long hours on a computer or are a frequent air traveler, chances are that you will suffer from Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) which may cause death.

Pregnant women or women using oral contraceptives are at a higher risk of suffering from DVT, a condition in which a blood clot forms in the deep veins, usually in the legs.

This can be fatal if a part of the clot breaks off and blocks blood vessels in the lungs.

Another fallout of the modern lifestyle, the DVT or the ''silent killer'' claims more lives than AIDS, breast cancer, prostate cancer and road accidents combined worldwide, according to doctors.

Contrary to popular perception, the ''silent killer'' affects Indians also and a majority of them are not even aware of it.

''The condition, most often, is not always recognised as having been the cause of death.... It may occur without any visible symptoms and may be difficult to detect,'' Dr Rajeev Parakh of Gangaram Hospital told a news conference here.

''The modern day lifestyle is such that DVT occurs. No exercise, smoking and drinking, frequent air travel, less in take of water and other such things causes the condition. Among women, those who are pregnant or on oral contraceptives, the risk is higher,'' he explained.

Some individuals can be at a high risk of developing DVT if they have restricted mobility, cancer, infectious diseases, certain heart or respiratory disease or major surgery, especially orthopedic.

''During or after surgery, when a patient is immobile for long duration, blood clots may occur,'' he added.

Quoting from the Prospective Registry On Venous thromboembolic Events (PROVE) study, involving 254 centers in 19 countries including India, Dr Parakh said only 7 per cent of Indians received preventive care against DVT.

''As compared to 19 per cent in other countries, the number is far less in India. A 30 per cent mortality rate can be brought down to 8 per cent if treated appropriately,'' he pointed out.

A study of 1000 consecutive Adult Autopsy cases from 1997- 2002, conducted to establish incidences of DVT, revealed that the mean age of such deaths in India was 47 years.

The research, conducted in PGI Chandigarh, recorded that 70 per cent of fatal DVT detected post-mortem was not suspected or diagnosed.

However, DVT is effectively preventable and treatable with use of therapies as well as mechanical devices.

''Therapies using blood thinning drugs (usually anticoagulant drugs) a form of therapy called thromboprophylaxis is effective, besides specific recommendations and guidelines being given to healthcare providers and hospitals,'' Dr Parakh said.

Recommending creating widespread awareness about the condition, he said the challenge was to prepare people on how to survive it.

''If people are prepared to deal with the condition, half the battle is won,'' he added.

UNI