7 Healthcast
DVT
Reported by:
Producer:
Erika Conner
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All of us here at 7News are excited to be a part of a healthy living event like nothing else in our area. It's our free Health and Fitness Expo and it's less than two weeks away. As we move closer to the Expo we're bringing you stories about important health issues. Today, we're taking a look at a condition that affects nearly two million Americans a year, but one doctors say is preventable.
Peggy Peterson, Patient
"I was having trouble breathing. I went to the doctor; they thought maybe I had bronchitis. I went back to the doctor; they thought, well, maybe I'd had a heart attack. And, as it turns out, I'd had a pulmonary embolism."
Even with a correct diagnosis, Peggy Peterson knew little about her condition.
Peggy Peterson, Patient
"I had no idea what it was, so it was very scary and eye-opening at the same time."
Doctor Samuel Goldhaber, a Cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, explains the danger Peggy faced.
Dr. Samuel Goldhaber, Cardiologist at BWH
"A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that starts usually in the pelvic or deep-leg veins, grows, then breaks off and travels through the heart into the pulmonary arteries, and lodges in the pulmonary arteries, where it can cause heart failure and sudden death under the worst of circumstances."
The blood clot responsible for Peggy's pulmonary embolism is the result of something called Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT.
DVT and pulmonary embolism symptoms can include unusual leg cramping, swelling, red skin and shortness of breath.
DVT affects as many as two million Americans a year. But Dr. Goldhaber says it doesn't have to.
Dr. Samuel Goldhaber, Cardiologist at BWH
"It's important to be aware of this condition because it's often preventable and usually can be treated successfully if detected early."
He explains there are simple things you can do to reduce your risk.
Dr. Samuel Goldhaber, Cardiologist at BWH
"It can be prevented by a heart-healthy lifestyle, and that involves exercise, proper nutrition, maintaining an ideal body weight, not smoking cigarettes, having the blood pressure under control - all those factors will reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism."
Peggy has fully recovered and is now part of a local support group. She says becoming educated about her condition makes all the difference.
Peggy Peterson, Patient
"Just pay attention to your body. Know it. You know when something's wrong, so don't ignore it."
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