SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton: Stop The Clot: Know Your Risks During Blood Clot Awareness Month

Press release from SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton:

February 28, 2022

March is recognized by the National Blood Clot Alliance as Blood Clot Awareness Month. This month marks an opportune time to learn more about blood clots and the detriments they can cause to one’s health. Blood clots are considered a major public health concern and most people do not know they could be at risk.

“Blood clots can lead to major health complications and even death,” said Dr. John Russo, VP of Medical Affairs at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Janesville. “It’s important to know the signs and your risk for developing them.”

Blood clots can occur due to blood not circulating properly (statis), genetic conditions (hypercoagulable state) and damage to the vein due to injury or a procedure, like surgery. Deep Vein Thrombosis, also known as DVT, occurs when there is a blood clot that has developed deep in the leg, or sometimes in the arm. Signs of DVT include swelling, pain or tenderness that is not caused by an injury/trauma, skin that is warm, red or discolored.

Those with DVT run risk of experiencing a pulmonary embolism, which is a very serious condition that occurs when a blood clot breaks free and travels into the lungs.

Signs of pulmonary embolism include difficulty breathing, dizziness or fainting, chest pain that worsens and rapid heartbeat. Pulmonary embolisms can be fatal if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Recently, a SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Janesville patient shared his story about pulmonary embolism. Read more here.

Dr. Russo urges everyone to seek immediate emergency medical care if you experience blood clot symptoms. They can affect everyone from children to senior citizens. According to the National Blood Clot Alliance, each year more people lose their lives to blood clots than breast cancer and motor vehicle accidents combined. Studies have shown fewer than one in four people recognize the signs and symptoms of blood clots – without this knowledge, people may not be able to seek help until it’s too late.

Individuals at higher risk for developing blood clots include:

• Those who are 55 and older
• Those who are hospitalized for illness or injury
• Those who have experienced severe trauma, like a car accident
• Those with cancer or receiving cancer treatment
• Those using contraceptives/hormone therapies that contain estrogen
• Those who are pregnant or have recently delivered
• Those with a family history of blood clots
• Those who are immobile, such as being confined to a bed or a wheelchair

Blood Clot Awareness Month is a great reminder to learn more about the signs, symptoms and dangers of blood clots. To lower your risk, be sure to know your family history and share any health concerns with your primary care provider. To make an appointment, visit ssmhealth.com.

This press release was produced by SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.