Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) claims more lives than AIDS: Experts

Mumbai, Mar 21 (UNI) Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) has claimed more lives than AIDS/ HIV, breast and prostate cancer and road accidents.

Doctors, at a conference here yesterday, said DVT is a lesser known disease because of low awareness and the myth that it does not affect the Indian popluation as much as the Western. The symptoms of DVT are rarely recognisable and often go undetected.

Almost 50-60 per cent of DVT cases don't show any visible symptoms and hence is commonly referred to as the 'Silent Killer', they said.

The group presented the findings of the Prospective Registry On Venous Thromboembolic Events (PROVE) study. DVT is a condition in which a blood clot forms in the deep veins, usually in the legs.

This condition can be fatal if a part of the clot breaks off and blocks blood vessels in the lungs, a condition called Pulmonary Embolism, a release said.

Dr R K Pinjala, Prof and HOD, Vascular Surgery, Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, said ''In the Western countries, Venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) is well documented and proved to be a major health concern. Therefore, in many major surgeries, especially orthopedic surgery, prophylaxis for DVT is now routine. In contrast, the India scenario is such that many believe the incidence of DVT in patients is low, and thrombo-prophylaxis is not routine in even high risk patients.'' Dr Abhay Bhave, MD, F R C P A, Consultant Hematologist, Lilavati Hospital, said ''Individuals need to be informed about simple lifestyle changes and other effective preventive measures that can reduce the risk of VTE. Decision-makers and stakeholders in the healthcare sector should be aware of the Health and cost benefits of VTE prevention and make it a public health priority.'' UNI