Today we celebrate World Thrombosis Day (WTD) 2022. WTD takes place every year on 13 October, the birthday of Rudolf Virchow who was a pioneer in the pathophysiology of thrombosis. A German physician, pathologist, biologist and anthropologist, Virchow developed the concept of "thrombosis" and advanced our understanding of this condition. (1)
More than 2,000 partners in 100+ countries are participating in World Thrombosis Day and the misson is to increase global awareness of thrombosis, including its causes, risk factors, signs/symptoms and evidence-based prevention and treatment. Ultimately, it strives to reduce death and disability caused by the condition.
Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a blood vessel. The vessel may be any vein or artery as for example, in a deep vein thrombosis (venous) or a coronary artery (arterial). The clot itself is termed a thrombus.
Once formed, a clot can slow or block normal blood flow, and even break loose and travel to an organ. A clot that travels to the circulation is called an embolism. Thrombosis is the often preventable underlying pathology of heart attack, thromboembolic stroke, and venous thromboembolism (VTE), the top three cardiovascular killers. (1)
What is VTE?
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition in which a blood clot forms most often in the deep veins of the leg, groin or arm (deep vein thrombosis) and travels in the circulation, lodging in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Together, DVT and PE are known as VTE - a dangerous, potentially deadly medical condition. (1)
VTE Risk Factors
Being in a hospital can increase your risk of developing VTE. Hospital-associated VTE consists up to 60 percent of all VTEs annually. Others include cancer-associated thrombosis and gender-specific risks. (1)
World Thrombosis Day objectives:
Highlight the burden of disease (thrombosis in general) and highlight the need for action, specifically underscoring the unrecognized threat and serious consequences (morbidity and mortality) related to venous thromboembolism (VTE) and atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Increase public awareness of the significance, risks, signs and symptoms of thrombosis, specifically VTE and AFib as an important cause of thromboembolic stroke.
Empower individuals to talk with their healthcare providers about their risk for thrombosis and appropriate prevention. Empower individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they have signs and symptoms.
Galvanize organizations in countries across the globe to conduct appropriate and aligned campaigns in their countries and regions.
Show your support by tagging WTD on Twitter @thrombosisday
Learn how to particpate in #ClotChat
Refrences
1. https://www.worldthrombosisday.org/
