Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis

Perhaps you have heard about it on television, thisare confined to desks and chairs to take advantage
recent phenomenon of people suffering serious illness,of quick breaks to get the blood flowing again. Even in
and even death, as a result of blood circulatoryan airplane, it is possible to stand up and move slightly
problems. In this modern age of travel and jobs thataround the cabin, if only to stimulate blood flow in the
require less physical labor, we are fast becoming alower half of the body and prevent numbness.
sedentary race, and unfortunately this is causingAlternating Pressure and DVT
various health issues like deep vein thrombosis.Ergonomic devices at work and home are always a
Fortunately, this is an easily preventable condition thatplus. An alternating pressure cushion, for one, can
doesn't take much work.improve circulation during times of inactivity.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?Alternating pressure refers to a device that inflates
Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition definedand deflates in sections. Think of an air mattress or air
by a blood clot, or thrombus, forming in a deep vein.seat cushion. As one pocket, the air is stagnant and
Commonly affecting the leg veins, such as the femoral,does not move. When you sit on one, it may feel like
popliteal, or the deep veins of the pelvic region, DVTsitting on an elevated version of the chair. Circulation
can prove fatal if the clot makes it way into the blood.remains the same.
Clots may become caught in the veins and blockAlternating pressure, however, works in a cushion
circulation, or enter the heart and cause death.devised of two or more air bladders interconnected to
Therefore, it is always important to maintain goodalternate inflating and deflating. Some bladders rise
circulation and keep the blood clear. Consulting awhile others fall, and vice versa. This constant
physician or licensed therapist can help determine themovement in a cushion lifts and shifts the body in
best methods for staying healthy.place, so even though one is sitting there is opportunity
What causes Deep Vein Thrombosis?for better circulation.
While recent research shows that various factorsWhere there is better blood flow, naturally, there is less
prove to put a person at risk for DVT, a morediscomfort. Alternating pressure keeps the blood
common cause for deep vein thrombosis is inactivity.moving and the skin healthy, allowing it to breathe.
The less you move, the slower your blood circulates,When skin breathes, it maintains a healthy color and
thereby increasing the chances for clots to form.elasticity. The blood flows and has less opportunity to
Business travelers, people who spend long hours inclot, thereby decreasing risk of DVT.
cramped airplane seats or in cars, and people confinedFor the constant traveler and the cubicle worker, an
to wheelchairs are especially at risk if they are unablealternating pressure device can be handy in eliminating
to regularly circulate the blood in their legs.the risk of blood clots in the legs, and in turn preventing
Therefore, it is always recommended for people whoserious conditions.