Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) begins when a blood clot develops in one of the deep veins of the body – usually the legs. It requires immediate medical assistance because of the dangers it creates to other parts of the body. If the clot were to break off and travel through the bloodstream, it could travel to the lungs and create a pulmonary embolism, making it difficult or impossible for your loved one to breathe. It might also put the heart at risk.

Risk Factors of Developing DVT

While anyone can develop DVT, they are more common in those who are more than 60 years old. In addition to age, several other factors can increase your loved one’s risk for DVT.

• Obesity. Being overweight puts more pressure on the veins in the pelvic and leg areas.
• Cancer and cancer treatments. Some cancers and some cancer treatments increase the risk. If your loved one is battling cancer, talk to his doctor about the risk.
• Heart failure. If your loved one has congestive heart failure, he already struggles with his heart and lungs not working as well as they should so even a small clot can cause a lot of damage.
• Smoking. Smoking affects both blood flow and clotting, increasing the possibility of DVT developing.
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can increase the risk.
• Lack of movement. Whether temporary (such as sitting in an airplane for an international flight) or permanent (such as a bedridden or wheelchair-bound patient), not moving the legs regularly can stifle blood flow and increase the risk of a clot developing.

DVT Symptoms to Watch For

If your loved one tells you or his senior home care provider that he’s noticed any of these symptoms, immediate action to contact his health care provider is imperative. Always make sure that whoever is providing senior home care services has that information nearby should the need arise.

• Cramping or pain often begins in the calf. It might cause your loved one to buckle and fall if he is standing at the time.
• Swelling of one leg where the pain is occurring. Swelling can also occur without pain occasionally.
• The leg affected may change color and become red or purple depending upon your loved one’s natural skin color.
• The leg may feel warm to the touch.

If any of these symptoms follow the above symptoms, it could mean the clot has broken free and traveled to your loved one’s lungs and emergency help should be sought.

• Chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Rapid pulse or breathing
• Fainting

How to Prevent DVTs

Two primary steps can be taken on a regular daily basis – eating healthy to maintain a healthy weight and exercising. Since Obesity increases the risk, losing weight can help reduce the risk by relieving the veins from extra pressure.

The other main cause is a lack of movement. If your loved one is bedridden, you or a senior home care provider can work with him to move and stretch his legs throughout the day. Do not allow him to cross his legs while sitting.

If traveling will result in a lot of sitting, frequent breaks of standing and pacing or walking can help reduce the risk of a clot forming.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Seabrook, NH, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands Home Care – Seacoast NH today! 603-824-8200

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