DVT/PE
DVT in the VP
Sunday, April 1, 2007
PTINR.com Staff
Dick Cheney is the latest public figure to experience a deep vein thrombosis
2007 has already found two public figures who have suffered a blood clot in their legs. Television sportscaster Bonnie Bernstein earlier this year reported experiencing classic symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) including: pain, swelling and elevated temperature near the affected area.
Vice President Dick Cheney experienced a blood clot in his left leg earlier this March following extensive international travel. Prolonged immobility of the lower legs significantly increases the risk of developing a DVT. Cheney will receive anticoagulation therapy to prevent future clots. Treatment often includes short term injections of low molecular weight heparin (once or twice a day) followed by 3-12 months of warfarin therapy. The length of warfarin (Coumadin ®) treatment remains under investigation and variable to patients other factors.
Recurrent DVT is common and results in patients remaining on warfarin for long term protection.
Deep vein thrombosis (clots) can break off and lodge in the patient’s pulmonary circulation. DVT kills up to 200,000 people each year in the United States alone. With proper treatment and change in behavior – patients’ prognosis is excellent.