Symptoms and preventive measures related to blood clots

Blood clots are largely preventable and treatable when detected early, but they can be fatal if the warning signs are missed. Thrombosis Ireland is calling on everyone to raise awareness this World Thrombosis Day about the risks, symptoms, and preventive measures related to blood clots.

Thrombosis is the hidden cause of the world’s top three cardiovascular killers: heart attack, stroke, and venous thromboembolism (VTE). VTE is a life-threatening but preventable condition that impacts millions worldwide. Despite this, public awareness remains alarmingly low, even though blood clots can affect anyone—young or old.

According to Ann Marie O'Neill, Thrombosis Ireland’s founding member and thrombosis survivor: "At least 544,000 people will die from blood clots across Europe this year. This number surpasses deaths from AIDS, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and motor vehicle accidents combined."

O'Neill also stressed that VTE is the number one cause of preventable death in Irish hospitals, as well as the leading cause of direct maternal death in maternity hospitals. "It is critical for every person in Ireland to be aware of thrombosis, understand their personal risk, and ask for a blood clot risk assessment when necessary."

Irish architect and TV personality, Dermot Bannon recently spoke out about his experience with clots. “I had symptoms they came on quickly, not over months like some illnesses but over a few short days, I but put them down to aches, pains even broken bones, I never ever suspected a PE and that's what was so frightening."

Following his recent hospitalisation, Dermot said: "Having a PE I was shocked to find out how many people have suffered the same and how many people have not survived them. Get to know the symptoms and if you have them, don't ignore them and get yourself checked, it may just save your life."

Thrombosis Ireland is dedicated to improving public knowledge about thrombosis and is pushing for systemic change to prevent unnecessary deaths. One of their significant initiatives is the 'Blood Clot Alert Card' developed in collaboration with the HSE, which is now distributed to patients upon discharge from the hospital. This initiative aims to educate patients about their increased risk of developing a blood clot, especially after a hospital stay of three days or more. The risk remains elevated for 90 days post-discharge, and the card provides essential information to help patients recognise symptoms and seek immediate medical care.

Thrombosis Ireland also highlights the danger of blood clots in specific high-risk groups:

•Cancer patients: 1 in 5 will experience a blood clot.

•Hospitalised patients: VTE is the leading cause of preventable death in hospitals.

•Maternity patients: Blood clots are the number one cause of maternal death, with the highest risk occurring in the first week after giving birth and continuing for up to six weeks postpartum.

This World Thrombosis Day, Thrombosis Ireland is launching a series of patient stories, videos, and other educational materials on their website, www.thrombosis.ie, and across social media. These personal stories highlight the real-life impact of blood clots and underscore the importance of early detection and prevention.

To reduce the incidence of VTE, Thrombosis Ireland encourages everyone to be familiar with the symptoms of blood clots, which may include:

•Swelling in one leg or arm

•Unexplained pain or tenderness

•Red or discoloured skin

•Shortness of breath or chest pain (a sign of a potential pulmonary embolism)

By educating themselves and those around them, people can help prevent unnecessary deaths and complications from blood clots.

For more information, visit www.thrombosis.ie