Stop What You Are Doing Because We Need To Talk About World Thrombosis Day

Thrombo-whaaaaat?

13 October is World Thrombosis Day (WTD). Woohoo! If you happen to be a human being, you should probably take note.

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You probably have lots of questions, right? Don't fret! We'll explain everything you need to know...

First up: What actually is thrombosis?

Thrombosis – also known as a blood clot – is the underlying cause of the world’s top three cardiovascular killers: heart attack, stroke, and venous thromboembolism (VTE),¹ so we’d say it’s pretty important you keep reading to learn more…

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What not everyone realises is VTE is actually two things: a blood clot in the leg, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and a blood clot in the lung, known as pulmonary embolism (PE).

But, like, why does it need a day dedicated to it?

Because thrombosis is a huge problem! HUGE. One in four deaths worldwide are related to the condition.²

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The mission of WTD is to increase global awareness of thrombosis including the causes, the risk factors, signs, and symptoms.

Ultimately, WTD strives to reduce death and disability caused by the condition. Pretty important stuff, right?

When was the first WTD?

Good question! The first WTD was in 2014, so it's still a very young movement.

This is why it’s so important the message about WTD is spread to as many people as possible. For example, did you know on average every 37 seconds someone in the Western world dies from VTE?³

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Remember that VTE was a blood clot in the leg or lung? And, that’s roughly the same amount of time it has taken you to read to this point in the article. Assuming you were paying attention.

You were paying attention, right?

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Good, let’s keep going!

What on earth happens on WTD?

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WTD is all about encouraging people to talk about thrombosis and help spread the message, whether it’s on social media, in your own homes, or with friends at work.

WTD is the perfect excuse to learn more and educate others about a condition that affects thousands of people every year.

What am I supposed to do on WTD?

Visit ThromboCoach.com, where you can learn more about thrombosis.

For example, did you know that sitting for more than 90 minutes can reduce the blood flow behind the knee by half, increasing your risk of a blood clot in the leg?⁴

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Yes way.

PE and DVT both have signs and symptoms.⁵ ⁶ It only takes a matter of seconds to learn them.

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“OK, I’m definitely interested. But can you give me three more reasons why I should be interested in WTD?”

You drive a hard bargain, but fine! How about…

Reason 1:

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Eighty per cent of people wouldn’t know the signs of PE,⁷ and yet PE can be fatal if left untreated.⁸ Remember to learn the signs and symptoms so you don’t become another statistic!

Reason 2:

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While some of us are at higher risk than others, a blood clot in the leg or lung is actually a condition that has no boundaries. It can happen to anyone at any time.

Reason 3:

Making time to get up and move regularly can help to get the blood flowing and potentially reduce the risk of DVT.

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So join us in helping raise awareness of blood clots on World Thrombosis Day. This 13 October, learn more about how you can help reduce the risk of DVT and PE @Time2Move and at ThromboCoach.com.

¹ Naess IA et al. Thromb Haemost. 2007; 5(4):692-699
² Raskob G et al. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, November 2014:34(11):2363-71
³ Calculation extrapolated from the number of estimated VTE-related deaths across the EU (543,454 – see reference a) and US (300,000 – see reference b) per annum, divided by the number of seconds in a year. a) Cohen AT et al. Thromb.Haemost. 2007;98,(4)756-764, b) Roger VL et al. Circulation. 2012;125(1):e2-e220
⁴ Thrombosis UK:The Thrombosis Charity. Reducing the risk of e-thrombosis. February 2013
⁵ Turpie AGG et al. BMJ. 2002; 325: 887-890
⁶ NHS Choices. Causes of deep vein thrombosis. June 2015
⁷ ICM interviewed a random sample of 20,258 with adults aged 18-64 in twenty countries across the world through online interviewing between 17th July – 11th August 2014. Surveys were conducted across each country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.com
⁸ Kearon C. Circulation. 2003;107,(23 Suppl 1)I22-I30