What is World Thrombosis Day?

World Thrombosis Day is observed annually on October 13th to raise global awareness about thrombosis, a condition in which blood clots form in veins or arteries, potentially leading to severe medical complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), heart attack, or stroke. The day is an international initiative aimed at educating the public about the risk factors, symptoms, and prevention of thrombosis, which is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.

The day is part of an ongoing campaign led by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) to reduce the occurrence of blood clots and save lives by promoting awareness and preventive measures. World Thrombosis Day is significant because 1 in 4 deaths globally is related to thrombosis, and many cases can be prevented with proper awareness and treatment.

History and Origin

World Thrombosis Day was established in 2014 by the ISTH to highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and action around thrombosis. The chosen date, October 13th, commemorates the birthday of Rudolf Virchow, a German physician who made significant contributions to understanding thrombosis and blood clot formation in the 19th century. Virchow introduced the concept of Virchow’s Triad, which explains three factors contributing to thrombosis: hypercoagulability, blood flow abnormalities, and endothelial injury.

The campaign has since grown into a global movement, with over 1,500 organizations in more than 100 countries supporting and participating in various activities. World Thrombosis Day aims to increase public knowledge, improve prevention strategies, and ensure people know how to recognize the symptoms and risk factors of blood clots.

Who Observes World Thrombosis Day?

• Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers observe the day by raising awareness within the medical community, educating patients, and promoting the importance of blood clot prevention, especially in hospital settings where the risk of thrombosis is high.
• Patients and Advocacy Groups: Patients who have experienced thrombosis, along with advocacy groups and nonprofits, often use the day to share personal stories, provide support to others affected, and push for better healthcare policies that prioritize prevention and treatment.
• Hospitals and Medical Centers: Many hospitals and medical institutions organize screening events, educational workshops, and public health campaigns to inform both the general public and at-risk populations about thrombosis risks and preventive care.
• Research Institutions: Universities and research organizations often take the opportunity to discuss the latest scientific advancements in thrombosis treatment, prevention strategies, and the underlying causes of blood clot formation.
• General Public: Anyone can participate by learning about the risks and symptoms of thrombosis, sharing information, and encouraging others to be proactive about their health, especially if they are at increased risk for blood clots.

Slogans and Themes

World Thrombosis Day focuses on themes of awareness, prevention, and education. Common slogans include “Know Thrombosis” and “Stop the Clot,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing risk factors and seeking timely medical attention. Each year, a specific theme is chosen to address particular aspects of thrombosis prevention, such as improving awareness in healthcare settings or reducing the risk in high-risk groups like post-surgical patients and those with cancer.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

Colors:

• Red: Red symbolizes blood, drawing attention to the importance of blood health and the risks associated with abnormal blood clotting.
• Blue: Representing veins and the circulatory system, blue is often used to highlight the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), one of the most common types of blood clots.

Symbols:

• Blood Drop: A common symbol representing blood health, the blood drop is often used in thrombosis awareness campaigns to symbolize both the danger of blood clots and the focus on blood-related conditions.
• Vein and Artery Diagram: Diagrams showing veins, arteries, and clot formations are used to help educate the public about where and how blood clots can form in the body.
• Ribbon: A ribbon is often used as a symbol of solidarity with those affected by thrombosis, advocating for better prevention and treatment.

Patterns:

• Circulatory Pathways: Patterns that illustrate the flow of blood through the veins and arteries can symbolize the journey of blood clots through the circulatory system, highlighting the importance of keeping blood vessels healthy.
• Clot Visualization: Abstract patterns mimicking the formation of a blood clot visually explain the condition and its dangerous effects.
• Heart and Lung Patterns: Representing the pulmonary system and the risk of clots traveling to the lungs or heart, these patterns symbolize the potential complications of thrombosis.

Most Used Hashtags

• #WorldThrombosisDay
• #StopTheClot
• #ThrombosisAwareness
• #KnowThrombosis
• #PreventBloodClots

How to Participate in World Thrombosis Day

• Raise Awareness on Social Media: Share informative posts and personal stories on social media using hashtags like #WorldThrombosisDay. Engage with educational materials and participate in online events hosted by health organizations.
• Learn About Risk Factors: Take time to learn about the risk factors for thrombosis, such as immobility, surgery, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions like cancer or cardiovascular disease. Educate yourself and your loved ones about the signs and symptoms.
• Attend Health Screenings: Many hospitals and medical organizations offer free screenings and educational sessions on World Thrombosis Day. Get checked for risk factors and learn about preventive measures such as staying active and wearing compression stockings if you’re at risk for DVT.
• Support Thrombosis Research: Consider making a donation to organizations like the ISTH or local charities dedicated to thrombosis research and patient support. Increased funding can help find better treatments and prevention strategies.
• Encourage Early Diagnosis: Share the importance of early diagnosis and the benefits of anticoagulant therapy with friends and family. Encourage those at risk, especially individuals who have recently had surgery or are immobile for long periods, to talk to their doctors about thrombosis prevention.

Importance of World Thrombosis Day

World Thrombosis Day is crucial in raising awareness about a silent yet deadly condition that affects millions of people globally. Thrombosis, often referred to as the hidden killer, can lead to severe health complications if not caught early, including stroke, pulmonary embolism, and heart attack. Many people are unaware of the risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection. By educating the public, the day aims to reduce preventable deaths and complications caused by blood clots.

In addition to public awareness, World Thrombosis Day advocates for better healthcare policies and research funding to develop more effective treatments. The day is also a reminder that lifestyle changes such as staying active, avoiding long periods of immobility, and understanding personal risk factors can make a huge difference in preventing blood clots.