Local vascular physician raises awareness about Deep Vein Thrombosis, COVID-19 correlation

March is National Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month

Raffi Krikorian, MD, a local physician with nearly 30 years of experience treating venous and cardiovascular conditions throughout Missouri and Illinois, is raising awareness about the connection between Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and COVID-19. March is National Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month and up to 2 million Americans are affected by Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) annually.

“Case studies have shown that people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and were hospitalized are at a higher risk for developing some sort of DVT or blood clot,” said Dr. Krikorian. “We have learned the virus has increased cardiovascular complications, especially for those who are more at risk; people with a prior history of DVT, stroke, are overweight or pregnant and those who are confined to long periods of immobility due to travel, major surgery or bed rest. All of these are risk factors for getting DVT, even without COVID-19.”

DVT occurs when a vein that is deep inside the body is obstructed by a blood clot. DVT is ordinarily found in the leg, typically in the calf muscle, but can be found anywhere in the body. Symptoms of DVT can include swelling, pain, discoloration and abnormally hot skin at the affected area, however, these symptoms can also mimic a muscle strain and make the diagnosis more challenging.

Dr. Krikorian said the most accurate way to diagnose DVT is through venous ultrasounds and depending on the severity of the condition, it can be treated with blood thinners or surgery.

Virtue Vein and Lymphatic Center has seven locations throughout Southwest Missouri and Illinois, including its flagship location at 3760 South Lindbergh Blvd, Suite 101 in St. Louis. With 25 years of experience in this field, Dr. Krikorian is one of only a few board-certified cardiologists throughout the St. Louis region to also practice in vascular, venous, and lymphatic health. The private practice specializes in offering its patients cutting-edge solutions to their unique vein problems. For more information about Virtue Vein and Lymphatic Center, go to www.VirtueVein.com or call (314) 849-0923.