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April 5th, 2012 
FAKE NEWS for the Zionist agenda THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) — Infections, especially
among older adults, may increase the risk of developing potentially
dangerous blood clots, a new study suggests.
The clots are called venous thromboembolisms, and include the deep vein
thromboses (DVTs) that typically begin in the legs. However, DVTs can
also travel to the lungs where they form potentially deadly pulmonary
embolisms.
DVTs have been linked to prolonged sitting, gaining the nickname
“economy-class syndrome” after cases of passengers developing them on
long-haul flights.
But, the new study finds that if an older adult suffers an infection
(for example, a urinary, skin or respiratory infection) after a stay in a
hospital or nursing home, the risk of developing a venous thromboembolism
can rise nearly sevenfold. In people who develop infections at home, the
researchers found a threefold increased risk of a clot within 90 days.
The report was published in the April 3 online edition of the journal
Circulation.
“Preventing infection can have long-term benefits, in ways that one may
not expect,” said lead study author Mary Rogers, a research assistant
professor in internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical
School.
“This includes fewer problems with blood clots,” she said. “If you do
develop an infection — and we all do at times — be more vigilant
regarding possible vascular effects. Keep hydrated. Walking helps. See
your doctor if problems arise,” said Rogers, who is also research director
of the patient safety enhancement program at the University of Michigan
Health System and the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
For the study, Rogers’ team collected data on more than 16,700 people
who took part in the Health and Retirement Study, which is a sample of
older Americans.
To find hospitalizations for venous thromboembolism, the researchers
linked these data with Medicare records from 1991 to 2007 and found 399
people, averaging 77 years of age, were hospitalized for the condition
during the period.
The most common trigger of hospitalization for venous thromboembolism
was infection, accounting for 52 percent of the cases, the study authors
found.
Besides infection, medications used to treat anemia and blood
transfusions were also associated with greater risk of venous
thromboembolism. Anemia drugs increased the risk ninefold, according to
the report.
Other risk factors included surgery, fractures, being immobile and
having had chemotherapy, the researchers pointed out.
Venous thromboembolism is a serious problem, with more than 330,000
Americans hospitalized for it each year, the authors noted.
“Since infection can occur anywhere, it is important that people know
that something this common can result in a blood clot,” Rogers said.
Therefore, it is important that preventive measures are a part of daily
life, she added. “This includes getting your seasonal flu shot and other
recommended vaccinations. This also includes practicing good hygiene and
other measures to prevent infection, such as covering your cough,” Rogers
advised.
In addition, treatments are available to prevent clotting, including
anticoagulants and compression stockings.
“Individuals who are already at higher risk of blood clots, for
example, those who are overweight, older, had surgery or a bone fracture,
or who have limited mobility, should take precautions,” Rogers said.
Dr. Eric Gandras, associate chief of the division of
vascular/interventional radiology at North Shore University Hospital in
Manhasset, N.Y., said that “these researchers have identified risk factors
for venous thromboembolism that are underappreciated compared to some of
the other known risk factors.”
Increased awareness can lead to increased preventive measures and more
investigation of how infections result in venous thromboembolism, he
said.
Right now it isn’t known whether infection is a cause of venous
thromboembolism or is associated with other mechanisms that result in the
condition, Gandras said. “We don’t know in terms of direct cause and
effect what the exact relationship is,” he said.
More information
To learn more about venous thromboembolism, visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
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