Contact:
RECOGNIZES MARCH AS
DEEP-VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT) AWARENESS MONTH
National program in it’s fourth year to raise awareness of
often silent and preventable killer
CITY, STATE, March
, 2007 –
today announced its support of Deep-Vein
Thrombosis (DVT) Awareness Month as officially recognized by United States Senate
Resolution 561—joining a national effort to raise awareness of this serious, yet preventable
condition and it’s potentially fatal complication, pulmonary embolism (PE).
According to the American Heart Association, DVT affects up to two million Americans
annually.2 Of those Americans who develop PE, up to 200,000 will die each year—more than
from breast cancer and AIDS combined. 345 Yet, most Americans (74 percent) are unaware of
DVT according to a national survey sponsored by the American Public Health Association.6
“With our focus on providing exceptional patient care, we are proud to support this national
campaign in
to increase awareness of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of DVT and
PE,” said
. “While this condition costs hospitals an estimated $340 million annually
nationwide, it takes a farther great toll on human lives.7 Awareness of the risk factors paired
with appropriate preventative measures can reduce the incidence of this condition.”
The Coalition to Prevent DVT has spearheaded DVT Awareness Month efforts since its launch
in March 2003. Melanie Bloom, widow of NBC correspondent David Bloom, continues to serve
as the national patient advocate in support of the Coalition’s efforts to make this a national public
health priority and, this year the Coalition along with Mrs. Bloom have raised the bar and are
imploring healthcare professionals to employ proper care and treatment of DVT. Mrs. Bloom’s
personal commitment to this cause has had tremendous impact in awareness raising efforts both
in the national media as well as the public policy forum.
“DVT Awareness Month provides an excellent opportunity for the general public and healthcare
community to learn about this preventable and often silent killer,” said (INSERT NAME AND
TITLE) American College of Chest Physicians. “We encourage the public to know their risk and
healthcare professionals to be aware of all the risk factors associated with DVT and then treat
those patients appropriately.”
About Deep-Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
DVT occurs when a thrombus (blood clot) forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower
limbs, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. If left untreated, this clot has
the potential to move into the lungs and block circulation to this vital organ creating a life
threatening condition – known as pulmonary embolism (PE) – requiring immediate medical
attention. Up to 600,000 Americans are hospitalized each year for DVT and its primary
complication, PE. Fatal PE may be the most common preventable cause of hospital death in the
United States. Complications from DVT kill more people each year in the U.S. than breast
cancer and AIDS combined.
Certain individuals may be at increased risk for developing DVT; however, it can occur in
almost anyone. Additional risk factors include, but are not limited to restricted mobility, cancer,
certain heart or respiratory diseases, major surgery, such as hip or knee replacements, advanced
age, oral contraceptives or hormone therapy. It is important to consult your healthcare provider
about the signs and symptoms associated with DVT. For more information, visit
www.preventdvt.org.
About DVT Awareness Month
DVT Awareness Month is being sponsored by the Coalition to Prevent Deep-Vein Thrombosis
(DVT) to raise awareness of this serious medical condition among consumers, healthcare
professionals, government and public health leaders. The Coalition is comprised of more than 40
representatives from nationally known medical societies, patient advocacy groups and other
public health organizations.
For more information, visit www.dvt.net or www.preventdvt.org.
About
# # #
1
U.S. Senate. S. Res. 56. U.S. Library of Congress Website March 2, 2005.
Hirsh J, Hoak J. Management of deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. A statement for healthcare
professionals from the Council on Thrombosis (in consultation with the Council on Cardiovascular Radiology),
American Heart Association. Circulation. 1996;93:2212-2245.
3
Anderson, F A. Jr, A Population-Based Perspective of the Hospital Incidence and Case-Fatality Rates of Deep
Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: The Worcester DVT Study. Archives of Internal Medicine 1991;
151:933 (7) 0003-9926.
4
American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Facts and Figures, 2001-2002. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society
5
Centers for Disease Control Report. HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report 2001. Volume 13, Number 2
6
APHA Deep-Vein Thrombosis Omnibus Survey. Conducted by Wirthlin Worldwide 2002.
7
Zhan, Chunlin, MD, PhD; Miller, Marlene R., MD, MSc. Excess Length of Stay, Charges, and Mortality
Attributable to Medical Injuries During Hospitalization. Journal of the American Medical Association
2003;290:1868-1874.
2
US.ENO.06.08.067