Circulatory Disorders- Dvt
Biology
Unit 18- Assignment 4
Circulatory Disorders.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Overview
Deep Vein Thrombosis, also known as DVT is a preventable circulatory disorder which occurs when a blood clot is formed in a deep vein, they usually develop in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but can also occur in the arms.
DVT can cause pain and swelling and can lead to complications such as a pulmonary embolism, however DVT is preventable and if diagnosed early treatable.
How DVT forms (leg vein)
Veins pass through the deep tissues of the legs; there are superficial veins located just below the surface of the skin and deep veins which run between muscles. These veins transport blood from the legs and feet back up to the heart. When a thrombosis (blood clot) forms in a superficial vein the condition is known as superficial thrombophlebitis, this is different to DVT and is not as serious.
DVT occurs when a thrombus builds up in these deep veins which partly or completely block the flow of blood through the vein. Many blood clots are so small that our bodies can gradually break them down returning the flow back to normal. However when a large blood clot occurs It can completely block the flow of blood causing swelling and tenderness (although symptoms ar e not always visible). Blood clots can become extremely dangerous If a part of it breaks off and travels up to the lungs, this is called a pulmonary embolism, it is extremely dangerous and in worst cases can cause death.
People At Risk
Almost anyone can contract DVT but there are factors which can significantly increase someone’s chances of developing the condition, especially if someone has one or more of these risk factors at the same time.
Below are some of the factors which could increase the risk of contracting DVT: • An injury to one of the deep veins caused by a fracture, severe muscle injury or major surgery. • Slow blood flow caused by paralysis, sitting for a long time (especially
Unit 18- Assignment 4
Circulatory Disorders.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Overview
Deep Vein Thrombosis, also known as DVT is a preventable circulatory disorder which occurs when a blood clot is formed in a deep vein, they usually develop in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but can also occur in the arms.
DVT can cause pain and swelling and can lead to complications such as a pulmonary embolism, however DVT is preventable and if diagnosed early treatable.
How DVT forms (leg vein)
Veins pass through the deep tissues of the legs; there are superficial veins located just below the surface of the skin and deep veins which run between muscles. These veins transport blood from the legs and feet back up to the heart. When a thrombosis (blood clot) forms in a superficial vein the condition is known as superficial thrombophlebitis, this is different to DVT and is not as serious.
DVT occurs when a thrombus builds up in these deep veins which partly or completely block the flow of blood through the vein. Many blood clots are so small that our bodies can gradually break them down returning the flow back to normal. However when a large blood clot occurs It can completely block the flow of blood causing swelling and tenderness (although symptoms ar e not always visible). Blood clots can become extremely dangerous If a part of it breaks off and travels up to the lungs, this is called a pulmonary embolism, it is extremely dangerous and in worst cases can cause death.
People At Risk
Almost anyone can contract DVT but there are factors which can significantly increase someone’s chances of developing the condition, especially if someone has one or more of these risk factors at the same time.
Below are some of the factors which could increase the risk of contracting DVT: • An injury to one of the deep veins caused by a fracture, severe muscle injury or major surgery. • Slow blood flow caused by paralysis, sitting for a long time (especially
References: CDC. (2010) ‘Facts about deep vein thrombosis’ http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/508-DVTFactSheet.pdf Accessed on 20/10/10 NHS NHS. (2010) ‘Deep vein thrombosis – Prevention’ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Deep-vein-thrombosis/Pages/Prevention.aspx Accessed on 18/10/10 Electronic Journal: Cayley,W. (2007) ‘Preventing deep vein thrombosis in hospital inpatients’ British Medical Journal http://www.bmj.com/content/335/7611/147.full?sid=69a2603d-597a-45dd-b164-699d873e01f5 Accessed on 22/10/10 Books: Mackean, D. (2002) Gcse Biology 3rd ed. London, UK: Hodder Education Boyle, M