The U.S. Surgeon General Issues National Call-to-Action on Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Emb...( The Coalition to Prevent DVT Pr...),Health

The Coalition to Prevent DVT Praises OSG in Raising Awareness of

Under-recognized Condition Now Deemed a National Health Priority Call-to-Action is an Important Step in Raising Awareness About DVT and PE

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The Coalition to Prevent Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT) announced its support today for the U.S. Surgeon General's Call-to-Action to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism. Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H., Acting U.S. Surgeon General, issued a Call-to-Action to drive awareness to reduce the number of cases of DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE) in the United States.

The Surgeon General's Call-to-Action on DVT seeks to stimulate action in all sectors of society to solve a major public health problem. It is supported by specific action steps to achieve the goals of the Call-to-Action at the national, state, and community levels.

Today's Call-to-Action places DVT alongside other medical issues the Surgeon General has deemed national priorities, including underage drinking, obesity, and smoking. While the health risks associated with being overweight or consuming alcohol and tobacco are well-known, according to a Coalition survey presented at the 2006 Surgeon General's Workshop on DVT, only one in four Americans are aware of DVT.(i) DVT occurs when a thrombus (blood clot) forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower limbs, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation.

The Call-to-Action on DVT advocates increased public awareness efforts on this condition, targeting both the general public and healthcare providers. "DVT has remained under the radar for too long," said Melanie Bloom, Coalition to Prevent DVT National Patient Spokesperson. "It is high time that we as a nation engage in a concerted effort to increase awareness of this serious and often deadly illness that affects more and more Americans every year."

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