Deep-Vein Thrombosis: ‘It can form without warning & lead to sudden death’

Jane Dutton spoke to GP and Proactive Health Solutions CEO, Dr Fundile Nyati. Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below.

Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness Month is observed every year during March.

The aim is to raise awareness about this common occurring, yet barely unnoticed, medical condition that can potentially be fatal.

DVT occurs when a blood clot obstructs a vein, preventing proper blood flow throughout the body. 

"When we're talking Deep-Vein Thrombosis, we're talking of blood clots that suddenly form in those deep veins and they may just form without any symptoms but more often than not there are symptoms that go with that. The biggest danger with that is that the clot may just dislodge from that deep vein and suddenly go and block the arteries in the heart and the lungs which may lead to sudden death."

- Dr Fundile Nyati, GP & Proactive Health Solutions CEO

According to healthline.com most people may not find out they have this condition until they've undergone emergency treatment for a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung).

Nyati says that recent research shows that at least 200,000 people in South Africa experience DVT.

He adds that the biggest risk factor for getting DVT is lack of movement.

Who is at risk?

• People over the age of 60
• Those who are bedridden
• Smokers
• People who have been driving or flying for many hours without getting up to stretch their legs
• Someone who has had a recent injury or surgery to the veins
• Pregnant women
• Women on birth control 

For a full list of causes, risk factors and treatment, visit healthline.com. 

"The movement of the muscles when one is moving makes sure that a clot does not easily form but if you are sitting and not moving, then that muscle action which is sort of preventative of clot formation isn't there so that increases risk." 

- Dr Fundile Nyati, GP & Proactive Health Solutions CEO

Scroll up to listen to the full interview.