The University of Benin Teaching Hospital UBTH, says it has begun the sensitization of staff and patients on the deadly condition, as blood clot within the veins, referred to as Venous Thromboembolism, VTE, remains the leading cause of preventable deaths in medical facilities.
The campaign, which held at the weekend in the Edo State capital to commemorate the 2021 World Thrombosis Day, was censored towards increasing global awareness on the causes, risk factors, signs, symptoms, prevention and treatment of the disease.
Professor Darlington Obaseki, the Teaching Hospital’s Chief Medical Director, CMD, In his remarks, described thrombosis as an abnormal blood clot in the vessels and a potential dangerous condition that could lead to heart failure and, stroke, identifying it as commonest cause of death.
He is calling on caregivers, patients and the public to internalize the advocacy for the good of the society.
Meanwhile, A Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr. Stanley Okugbo, in a presentation, said the ailment also known as blood clot, is the number one silent killer of patients.
According to him, 55 to 60 per cent of VTE cases occur during or following hospitalization, adding that, two in four people in the hospital would die of causes related to blood clots.
Okugbo says, thrombosis usually forms in the extremities on hands and legs, while pointing out that, knowledge of the sickness could aide prevention.
He listed some symptoms to include swelling of legs and arms that comes without warning, pains and soreness when walking or standing, warm or hot sensation in the area that hurts.