(BPT) - Every year, nearly 900,000 Americans are affected by venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition in which blood clots form in the veins and can migrate to the lungs. These types of blood clots need immediate attention as they can be life-threatening. As such, blood clots often require quick action and prompt medical attention.
This was the case for Elizabeth Simms, who was 27 years old and 31 weeks pregnant. One morning, she had a hard time breathing but she brushed it off, blaming it on her pregnancy. Her husband insisted she go to her local hospital and rushed her to the emergency room, where the ER team quickly confirmed that she had a significant pulmonary embolism (PE), a blood clot that was blocking blood flow to her lungs. Her condition worsened and she was quickly medevacked to the regional hospital. Given the urgency of her condition, the doctors decided to use computer-assisted vacuum thrombectomy (CAVT™ is an advanced therapy to suction out the blood clot), which restored blood flow to her lungs. Elizabeth's condition improved quickly, with her oxygen levels returning to normal shortly after the procedure. She was discharged from the hospital the following day and eight weeks later delivered a healthy baby boy.
Elizabeth's story is just one example of how getting to the hospital and being treated appropriately and in a timely fashion can make a big difference in patient outcomes. It's important to recognize the signs and symptoms of blood clots. Here's what you need to know:
1. Blood Clots Affect Hundreds of Thousands Each Year
It's estimated that up to 100,000 Americans die of VTE each year and many others have long-term complications. VTE includes PE and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a clot in the legs. These blood clots often go undetected due to symptoms that overlap with those of other, less serious conditions. If left untreated, blood clots can lead to complications or death.
2. Early Diagnosis is Key to Better Outcomes
Prompt diagnosis of blood clots along with timely intervention can improve outcomes significantly. Unfortunately, at times blood clots can be prone to misdiagnosis and/or delayed diagnosis due to symptoms that can be mistaken for another condition. The symptoms — swelling in the legs, chest pain, or sudden shortness of breath — are easily mistaken for other, less serious health issues, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Venkat Tummala, a vascular and interventional radiologist in Lakeland, FL, and associate chief medical officer at Penumbra, Inc., underscores the urgency: "Time is critical when it comes to blood clots. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can result in life-threatening complications."
3. New Treatments Are Changing the Game
New technologies have led to quicker treatments for blood clots. Anticoagulation (blood thinners) are commonly used to treat blood clots. However, their effectiveness on their own may be limited. Newer methods like CAVT enable doctors to rapidly remove blood clots and are minimally invasive. A recent study found the use of CAVT with anticoagulation had better improvements in both clinical and functional outcomes in PE patients compared to anticoagulation alone.
4. Know the Signs and Symptoms
While medical technology is advancing, knowing the signs and symptoms remains crucial. Common signs to watch for include swelling in the extremities, pain or tenderness in the leg, arm or chest, skin that feels warm to the touch, fainting and unexplained shortness of breath or difficulty. Dr. Tummala stresses, "It's important for patients to be active participants in their care, especially when it comes to proven emerging treatments. Early action and communication with healthcare providers can greatly improve outcomes." Patients should feel empowered to ask questions, explore the latest treatment methods, and discuss their best options with their doctors.
5. The Future of Blood Clot Treatment Looks Bright
The future of blood clot treatment is promising, with new technologies, specialized response teams, and growing awareness. However, gaps currently remain in standardizing care protocols across healthcare systems. Reducing these gaps is a goal of the Get Out the Clot campaign, a collaborative educational initiative uniting experts to support adoption of uniform approaches to blood clot treatment to help ensure more consistent and effective care for patients nationwide.
The ongoing advancements in blood clot treatments are helping to save lives and improve recovery times for many patients such as Elizabeth. As experts continue to improve care protocols and raise awareness about blood clots, the outlook for these patients is becoming increasingly hopeful with earlier diagnoses, more effective treatments, and better long-term outcomes. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of a blood clot, seek medical help immediately — early action could save a life.
