AMC Joins National Effort to Raise DVT Awareness

SARANAC LAKE - On March 22nd and 23rd, Adirondack Medical Center will be giving away FREE at-home DVT (Deep-Vein Thrombosis or blood clot) screening kits in the lobby at AMC Saranac Lake from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. DVT experts and literature will be available for education for all who stop by to pick up their free screening kit, and each visitor to pick up a screening kit will receive giveaways.

Adirondack Medical Center is supporting the Coalition to Prevent Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) by raising awareness of this commonly occurring medical condition and it's potentially fatal complication, pulmonary embolism (PE). According to the American Heart Association, up to two million Americans are affected annually by DVT. Yet most Americans (74%) have little or no awareness of DVT according to a national survey released by the American Public Health Association.

DVT is a life threatening medical condition that occurs when a blood clot (thrombosis) forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower limbs, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. It may be caused by a variety of risk factors and triggering events including cancer, obesity, or restricted mobility due to acute medical illness, stroke, major surgery, previous DVT, respiratory failure or something as simple as an extended plane ride.

DVT symptoms may include tenderness, pain in the leg, swelling and discoloration or redness. The condition may result in health complications, such as pulmonary embolism and even death if not diagnosed and treated effectively.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot or a fragment of it breaks loose from the wall of the vein and migrates to the lungs, where it blocks a pulmonary artery or one of its branches. In the United States, of those who develop PE, up to 200,000 will die annually - which is more than from breast cancer and AIDS combined. PE signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing/coughing up blood, and fainting.

If you feel you may be at risk for DVT or PE, it is important for you to consult your physician. For more information, contact Linda Savarie, AMC Decker Learning Center, at 897-2274.  ####

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