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Swelling of one leg, pain in the calf and its redness should not be underestimated by patients and doctors. These could be symptoms of a venous thromboembolism, which can be fatal within seconds, experts remind.
In the event of their appearance, the patient should see a general practitioner who should assess the likelihood of thrombosis, specialists argued at a press conference in Warsaw on Wednesday. The first edition of the Campaign for Combating Venous Thromboembolism was launched, with the slogan “How not to be one foot in the grave”.
As explained by the president of the Foundation for Combating Thrombosis, prof. Witold Tomkowski, this disease consists in the formation of blood clots in the deep vein system – most often in the calves, but also in the thighs or pelvic veins. Their fragments may break off and travel downstream of the bloodstream to the right atrium, and then to the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, causing it to embolize. “By settling in the pulmonary artery, fragments of the thrombus may cause minimal symptoms, such as slightly increased breathlessness, chest pain, rapid breathing, symptoms identical to those in a heart attack. And if their volume is large, they can also cause immediate death “- explained Prof. Tomkowski.
For this reason, Kamila Skolimowska, the Olympic hammer throw champion, died in February 2009, recalled Robert Skolimowski, the father of the athlete, who was present at the meeting.
In 4 percent patients with pulmonary embolism develop a serious condition – chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. A complication of venous thrombosis may be the so-called post-thrombotic syndrome, which manifests itself as brown discoloration on the lower legs, and sometimes non-healing ulcers, which can lead to disability.
Prof. Tomkowski noted that venous thromboembolism is a serious epidemiological problem. Based on studies conducted in other European Union countries, experts estimate that deep vein thrombosis should be diagnosed in Poland in approx. 60 thousand people. people, while pulmonary embolism – in about 40 thousand. Annually, 40 thousand people die in our country. people due to pulmonary embolism. Meanwhile, the number of deaths from a heart attack, considered a serious health problem, is 12. ” – noted prof. Tomkowski.
He pointed out that in Poland the number of diagnosed annually thrombosis cases is several times lower than the actual number of people suffering from it. Among the most important reasons for this, the specialist mentioned low awareness of the disease not only in the society, but even among the doctors themselves.
The president of the MITO Foundation, Aleksandra Kaszuba, who is the organizer of the campaign, who was present at the meeting, recalled that a few years ago, when she was 27, she was diagnosed with venous thromboembolism. While traveling by plane to Africa, one of her legs suddenly swelled.
“On the way back, I felt a great deal of pain in my chest, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. After returning, I went to the GP, but he suspected some tropical disease, ”she said. Only her husband’s cousin, who heard about the symptoms, ordered her to immediately go to the hospital to the emergency room. “Computed tomography shows that I have a pulmonary embolism. Back then, I didn’t realize that a swollen leg could be a symptom of a disease that is so life-threatening, ”she said.
Prof. Tomkowski admitted that in many cases venous thromboembolism may not cause any symptoms, and even if symptoms occur, they are underestimated by people. Among the most important symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, the expert mentioned: leg swelling, pain in the calf when bending or walking, increased leg temperature or red skin on one leg, pain felt along the vein.
He stressed that any person suffering from such symptoms should immediately see a general practitioner who should assess the likelihood of thrombosis using a special scale. People who are at high risk should be referred for deep vein ultrasound. Patients at low or moderate risk should have their blood levels checked for D-dimer. If the result is positive, it is necessary to perform an ultrasound of the deep veins.
Prof. Tomkowski reminded that in Poland the first-contract doctor cannot order deep veins ultrasound free of charge under the National Health Fund. This can only be done by a physician with an appropriate specialization, e.g. an angiologist or vascular surgeon, for which the patient unfortunately has to wait in line. According to the expert, this should be changed – every doctor, including the first contact doctor, should be able to refer to the ultrasound examination of the veins. Currently, a faster solution for a patient may be to go to the emergency room to a hospital or to perform an ultrasound examination of the veins privately (the average cost of such an examination is about PLN 150).
Experts stressed that the treatment of VTE is very effective and safe. It is based on anticoagulants. Patients of all sex should also wear compression stockings such as knee socks or stockings.
The likelihood of having VTE increases with age. The most important risk factors for this disease are prof. Tomkowski completed: serious surgical procedures, such as replacement of the hip or knee joint, diseases requiring longer bed rest, injuries, and neoplastic diseases.
- Take care of your legs by using Light Legs – the Panaseus dietary supplement.
“There is a close relationship between thrombosis and cancer,” he noted. He also added that the prognosis of a cancer patient is then much worse. What’s more, research shows that about 15 percent. People who have thrombosis for no apparent cause develop cancer. “By diagnosing it early, you can change the fate of a sick person” – he noted.
Dr. Małgorzata Dybowska from the Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in Warsaw emphasized that in women, thrombosis may be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, taking oral contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy. These factors increase blood clotting.
To improve the functioning of the circulatory system, and at the same time to strengthen the body’s immunity, order a comprehensive set of supplements for each YANGO, which includes:
- Wild rose dietary supplement,
- CircuVena dietary supplement,
- Dietary supplement Citrus Bioflavonoids.
To strengthen the blood vessels and tired legs, you can also reach for a balm with extracts of grape leaves and horse chestnut or Dr Stopa FLOSLEK balm for tired feet and legs.
The specialist noted that there are also genetic causes of thrombosis. An important risk factor is also the long-term lack of traffic, e.g. when traveling by plane, train or car.
Prof. Tomkowski emphasized that as part of thrombosis prophylaxis, you should avoid sitting with your leg crossed, because then you unconsciously clamp the popliteal vein and impede blood outflow, prevent dehydration, do not wear items that cut into the abdomen or leg. During a long journey by plane, we should move regularly, do some exercises, and not overuse the alcohol that we take. You can also protect yourself by wearing knee socks or compression stockings.
You can read more about venous thromboembolism on the campaign website (www.wolnezyly.pl). (PAP)
If you experience swelling, but it is not the result of an illness, use cosmetics that will help your legs rest and reduce the swelling. You will find a wide selection of ointments and gels for muscles and joints at Medonet Market.
You can also make yourself wraps, using special compresses also available on Medonet Market. They can be used both for cooling and warming up sore muscles and swollen legs. Depending on the size of the compress, it can be used on different parts of the body.