March is Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month. DVT is something that seniors have a high risk for, so seniors and their family members need to know the risk factors, warning signs, and other information about DVT. Their companion care at home providers need to be made aware of this information as well.
DVT happens when a blood clot forms and is carried by the bloodstream to the heart or the brain. It can cause a heart attack, stroke, or other serious medical situations. It’s a good idea for seniors to have companion care at home in case they have a medical emergency. Companion care at home means that seniors will be able to get emergency medical help fast if they need it.
As seniors get older their risk of developing DVT increases. Some of the risk factors for DVT that seniors and their families should know about are:
Age
One of the primary risk factors for DVT in seniors is simply getting older. As seniors get older their blood vessels can become less elastic and able to allow blood to flow freely. Also, the valves in the veins can leak or weaken which can cause a slow blood flow and lead to the formation of clots.
Being Sedentary
Another risk factor for DVT is being sedentary, and many seniors don’t get enough activity. Being on bed rest, sitting all day, or just not exercising can significantly increase the risk of a senior developing DVT. That’s one of the reasons why it’s so important for seniors to be active. Even exercising in bed or walking around the house can improve blood flow.
Chronic Health Conditions
Seniors often have multiple chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer, which can significantly increase the risk of DVT. These conditions may cause inflammation, damage to blood vessels, or alterations in blood composition, all of which contribute to clot formation. Seniors need to manage their chronic health conditions well to lower the risk of DVT.
Medications
Certain medications commonly prescribed to seniors, such as hormone replacement therapy, oral contraceptives, and some cancer treatments, can increase the risk of blood clot formation. Additionally, surgeries, particularly joint replacement surgeries, can temporarily increase the risk of DVT due to immobility and trauma to blood vessels. Seniors should always talk to their doctors about all of the medications they are taking to prevent side effects or a bad interaction between medications that could lead to DVT.
Inherited Blood Clotting Disorders
Some seniors may have genetic predispositions to blood clotting disorders, such as Factor V Leiden mutation or prothrombin gene mutation, which can significantly increase the risk of DVT. Seniors who have a family history of DVT or blood clotting disorders should make sure they tell their doctor about that family history and take steps to lower their risk of DVT in other ways.
Obesity
Excess body weight puts additional pressure on the veins in the legs, impeding blood flow and increasing the risk of clot formation. Seniors who are overweight should try to be as active as possible. Even when sitting down seniors can do simple exercises to improve blood flow. Yoga and other gentle stretching exercises can also help improve blood flow.
Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
Smoking can significantly increase the risk of DVT because it affects circulation and the health of the blood vessels in the body. Seniors are urged not to smoke. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can also increase a senior’s risk of DVT.
Dehydration
Older adults may be prone to dehydration due to various factors such as reduced thirst sensation, medication side effects, or underlying health conditions. Dehydration thickens the blood, making it more prone to clotting.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in Bucyrus OH, please get in touch with the caring staff at Central Star Home Health today. Call 419-756-9449
Central Star Home Health is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Ohio including Ashland, Bellville, Bucyrus, Crestline, Galion, Lexington, Mansfield, Marion, Mt. Vernon, Ontario, Shelby, and Willard.
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