By Joke Kujenya
AS WORLD Thrombosis Day is marked globally on October 13, 2024, concerned medical experts have issued a passionate call for increased awareness of thrombosis, urging both the government and healthcare stakeholders to take immediate action in combating this silent killer.
They emphasize the deadly consequences of thrombosis, a condition that forms blood clots in vessels and can lead to sudden death if untreated.
Speaking on the condition, a Nigerian doctor, Professor LeRoy Edozien, at the University of Medical Sciences in Ondo State, where he serves as Dean of Health Law and Humanities, said thrombosis is a grave condition that requires all attention.
Recalling personal and professional experiences, Edozien shared stories that highlight the severe impact of thrombosis on everyday Nigerians.
“A man admitted to the hospital after a road accident was recovering well. His family was relieved, but to everyone’s shock, he died suddenly.
“I first encountered such cases as a medical student, and years later, I saw it happen again, even to colleagues and relatives.”
His voice wavered as he recounted the death of a fellow doctor, someone recovering smoothly at home but who tragically passed due to a clot.
“I’ve seen too many die needlessly,” Edozien added. “These deaths are not rare, but sadly, many go unnoticed because of the lack of awareness about Venous Thromboembolism (VTE).”
VTE, a condition where blood clots form in veins, often leads to pulmonary embolism (PE) if untreated, claiming lives without warning.
The professor detailed how factors like obesity, genetic predisposition, and immobility, often from long hospital stays or even prolonged travel, increase the likelihood of clot formation.
Thrombosis became especially prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, with blood clotting linked to several cases of sudden death among recovering patients.
Edozien is also the convener of PROTRAIN, a healthcare initiative aimed at preventing thrombosis.
Through his platform, he advocates for basic but effective prevention measures: regular movement, hydration, and the use of compression stockings, particularly for those recovering from surgery or enduring long periods of immobility.
“Thrombosis doesn’t discriminate. Whether it’s after a long-distance journey or while recovering from surgery, it can strike anyone. Awareness is the first step to saving lives,” Edozien explained.
He highlighted that many deaths could be prevented through simple interventions, such as regular ambulation and proper use of blood thinners.
However, he lamented that these preventive methods remain under-utilized, especially in Nigeria, where public awareness of VTE is alarmingly low.
Thrombosis As A Global Burden
Globally, October 13th is recognized as World Thrombosis Day to raise awareness about the risks of blood clots and to promote early detection and prevention strategies.
The theme for 2024, “Move Against Thrombosis,” underscores the importance of physical activity in reducing the risk of clot formation.
Reduced mobility, whether due to illness, surgery, or travel, is one of the leading factors contributing to blood clot-related deaths.
“The death rate from untreated pulmonary embolism is one in three,” Edozien stated. “With treatment, that number drops significantly to one in 50.
This shows how vital it is to act quickly. We cannot afford to lose lives that can easily be saved with the right knowledge and intervention.”
He concluded by urging Nigerians to be proactive in learning about thrombosis and its symptoms, such as unexplained pain or swelling in the legs, chest pain, and difficulty breathing, which can signal the onset of a dangerous clot.
“We need to act now,” he stressed. “This is not just a health problem—it’s a matter of life and death. By spreading awareness today, we could be saving lives tomorrow.”
Global crusaders on the condition note that World Thrombosis Day serves as a crucial reminder of the global threat posed by this often-overlooked condition.
In 2024, stakeholders worldwide are organizing educational events, webinars, and patient forums to raise awareness and share life-saving information.
As part of this global movement, Edozien hopes Nigeria will join the fight, creating widespread awareness and reducing preventable deaths from thrombosis.
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