Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Information Leaflet 1
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About this information This information leaflet explains Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and contains information about what the treatment options are. It has been provided to you because the service has identified you may be at risk of developing DVT or VTE and we would like you to be able to make informed decisions about your care with your health care team, this leaflet should help you with this. About Deep Vein Thrombosis and Venous Thromboembolism. DVT is more likely to happen when you are unwell and inactive. Your blood has a mechanism that normally forms a 'plug' or clot to stop the bleeding when you are injured, for example when you have a cut to your skin. Sometimes the blood's clotting mechanism goes wrong and forms a blood clot when there has been no injury. When this happens the blood clot is called a thrombus. When the blood clot is deep inside one of the veins in your body, most commonly in the leg, it is called deep vein thrombosis. If the blood clot comes loose it can travel through your bloodstream to your lungs. This is called pulmonary embolism and it can be fatal. DVT and pulmonary embolism together are known as Venous Thromboembolism or VTE for short. DVT is more likely to happen when you are unwell and inactive or less active than usual. When you are unwell your blood may become temporarily 'sticky' and flow more slowly. If you are inactive or less active than usual it is more likely that a blood clot will form inside a vein. People in hospital can be at risk of DVT because they may be unwell and inactive for long periods of time. DVT can happen at any time during a stay in hospital or in the weeks after leaving hospital. 3
Preventing Venous Thromboembolism in Hospital Becoming unwell in hospital can lead to an increased risk of developing DVT. During your stay you may have a brief assessment to check your risk of developing DVT. You may be asked questions to check for known risk factors. Depending on the outcome of the assessment, you might be offered treatment keep your risk of developing DVT whilst in hospital as low as possible. You may be given anticoagulant medicines, or be asked to wear compression stockings. Tips for reducing the risk of developing VTE: Walking and moving about Drink plenty of fluids If you smoke you will be asked to stop whilst on the ward. You can ask for Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) or a referral to the Stop Smoking Service to support you with this. Will I Need Treatment to Prevent VTE After Discharge? Sometimes the medical staff will recommend that VTE preventative treatment is continued after discharge from hospital. It is important that you adhere to any guidance given, whether oral or written, on the particular type of treatment prescribed. With Anti-embolism Stockings: 4 Only use the stockings that have been measured and fitted for you Ensure you know how to put the stockings on correctly (a trained member of the clinical staff will be happy to go through this process again with you) Wear the stockings day and night until your mobility is not still significantly reduced Remove the stockings as a minimum daily for hygiene purposes and to inspect skin condition. If you have significant reduction in mobility, poor, skin integrity or sensory loss, the skin should be inspected two or three times per day, particularly over heels Discontinue use of stockings if there is marking, blistering or discolouration of the skin, particularly over heels and bony prominences, or if you have any pain or discomfort
With Pharmacological VTE Prevention: Please adhere to the information given on the patient information leaflet provided with your take home medication. When To Seek Medical Help after Discharge: Leg swelling, redness and pain may be indicators of a blood clot and should not be ignored. Although not necessarily a result of DVT, if you have these symptoms you should visit your GP and if you have breathing problems or chest pain you should seek urgent medical attention. Finally: During your time in hospital, it is important to us that you are happy with your care and treatment. Please speak to your Named Nurse, a Doctor or the ward Manager if you have any questions or concerns. References: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2010) Venous Thromboembolism Prevention. Quality Standard 3. NICE June 2010 This leaflet was reproduced and amended with kind permission of Southport & Ormskirk Hospital Trust. 5