Risks for Developing DVT

Friday, February 01, 2008

Recent studies have shown that patients who have had surgery are not the only ones in danger of developing DVT. People who sit for long periods of time, such as travelers and “deskbound” office workers, also run the risk of developing this serious condition. Commonly known as a blood clot, DVT forms in the body’s larger veins found deep in the legs, pelvis, chest or arms. These clots can form due to poor blood circulation, irritation or inflammation of the vein’s inner lining, or the blood’s tendency to clot quickly.

A major complication of DVT is a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can occur when a blood clot dislodges from the vein wall, travels to the lungs then gets stuck in a pulmonary artery, blocking blood flow. According to the American Heart Association, up to 2 million Americans are affected annually by DVT, yet three out of four people have never heard of DVT. Up to 300,000 die each year from developing the PE complication, which is more than breast cancer and AIDS combined.

Wearing compression stockings is an effective way to prevent DVT and keep legs healthy when sitting for long periods of time. In a recent issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, Dr. Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, M.D., FRCPC, of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, stated, “…compression stockings are a relatively inexpensive, noninvasive way to reduce risk of complications from DVT, and physicians and patients should consider using them.” Additionally, the results of a randomized trial, published in the same journal, reported that wearing knee-high compression stockings after the discovery of a Deep Vein Thrombosis condition reduced the incidence of complications by nearly 50% for up to two years.

Other studies have shown similar positive results. According to WebMD Medical News, researchers recently reviewed 10 studies regarding the use of compression stockings as a preventive measure of DVT during long airplane flights. The review showed a “substantial reduction” in symptomless DVT and leg swelling in passengers who wore compression stockings during their flight.

To learn more about the benefits of Juzo compression stockings, click here.

To learn more about DVT, click here.

Since 1912, Julius Zorn, Inc. has been a pioneer of new technologies, whether it’s designing a more comfortable garment or incorporating other technological advances such as our FiberSoft™ technology. Our philosophy has always been that medical garments should not inhibit a person’s lifestyle. We have led the compression therapy garment industry in creating a high quality product that offers its customers freedom in motion and, in turn, the freedom to maintain their active lifestyle.