Beware of this deadly disease that kills without symptoms

The deaths in both the cases were due to heart attack but were triggered by an underlying condition called the Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT),a condition where a blood clot is formed in the vein.

DVT can lead to pulmonary embolism (PE),where the clot breaks and travels to the lungs blocking the blood vessel. It can cause damage and can be fatal. Studies abroad have shown that one in every two hospitalised patients (52% precisely) in medical and surgical wards worldwide are at a risk of developing DVT. This is true in India as well but since DVT occurs without any symptoms,there is not much awareness about it .

A study done on 60,000 patients in over 32 countries,called the ENDORSE (Epidemiologic International Day for the Evaluation of Patients at Risk for DVT in the Acute Hospital Care Setting),also revealed that though the risk of DVT is very high,only 17% of these patients in India,received prophylaxis (treatment) to prevent it. The Wockhardt Hospital has announced a campaign dedicated towards spreading awareness about DVT during the entire March,which is observed as DVT awareness month.

“DVT is a common problem in hospitalised people. Patients with restricted mobility especially in the post operative phase in the treatment of cancer,infectious disease,heart or respiratory disease,major surgery,advanced age,young girls taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy are particularly at risk,” said Dr Abhay Bhave,consultant haematologist,Wockhardt Hospital.

“In India doctors believe that DVT is seen only in the West. In India,diagnosis is so low that thrombo-prophylaxis (which thins the blood to prevent clotting) is not given even to high-risk patients,” said Dr Hasmukh Ravat,senior interventional cardiologist.

Dr Robert D’ Costa,who heads the intensive care unit at Wockhardt Hospital says,“If you are admitted to a hospital,and are immobile,ask your doctor about DVT. A prophylaxis,which costs less than Rs 300 per dose,could save your life.” People who take long- hour flights frequently should also be aware of this. “Stretch your legs as often as possible,” he added.

Disease deadlier than AIDS
DVT kills more people than AIDS,breast cancer,prostate cancer and road accidents combined. According to experts,DVT being a silent killer often goes undiagnosed. Many doctors are unable to detect DVT as the cause even in post-mortem.

A data of 1,000 autopsies from November 1997 to January 2004 revealed that 22.64 % of the patients died due to Pulmonary Embolism (PE). Clinical diagnosis of PE was made in less than 10% of them,while DVT was suspected in less than 3%.

Who are at risk
* Patients with restricted mobility after the treatment of cancer,infectious disease,heart or respiratory disease,major surgery,advanced age
* Young girls taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy
* Those undertaking long hour flights

What to do
* If hospitalised and immobile,ask doctor about DVT risk. A prophylaxis,costing less than Rs 300/dose,could save your life
* Stretch your legs as often as possible if undertaking long hour flights