Welcome to NATT-DC

Dear Friends,

We’re pleased to announce the launch of the National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia (NATT) Chapter in the Washington DC area.  As a patient led advocacy group dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis and thrombophilia through research, education, support and advocacy, we welcome your involvement in helping us fulfill our important mission.  

NATT combines the unique perspectives of health care providers, individuals afflicted with clotting disorders and community leaders who are passionate about this health care crisis.  Our organization is committed to providing education about the risks, signs, symptoms and prevention of blood clots and clotting disorders to:

  • Patients and families

  • Healthcare providers

  • The general public

Several hundred thousand Americans die each year from blood clots in the veins. Most of these lives could have been saved if more patients and health professionals had known about the symptoms, risks,  and treatments.   NATT has joined forces with the CDC, US Surgeon General and other voluntary health agencies to promote education, diagnosis and treatment of blood clots.   Please browse our site to learn more about blood clots and join with us to help Stop the Clot®. 

Sincerely,

Mackie Barch                                                                          Justin Barch

P.S.  According to data from the Surgeon General’s office, in the Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia area, blood clots will strike more than 27,000 people this year, resulting in over 4,500 deaths, most of which are preventable.  Recent information released from the Mayo Clinic suggests that the incidence may in fact, be significantly higher with nearly 41,000 people experiencing a blood clot, and over 13,000 deaths. Please support the NATT-DC Chapter’s efforts to Stop the Clot® by donating today. 

 

Know the Symptoms:

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) a clot that usually forms in the leg area:  This silent killer strikes nearly 400,000 people a year.

If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms, please seek medical treatment, immediately!

  • Swelling, usually in one leg
  • Pain and/or tenderness at the site
  • Reddish or bluish skin discoloration
  • Warmth to touch at site

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) occurs when the clot breaks loose and travels to the lung. 

PE's strike over 530,000 people, resulting in 300,000 deaths each year.

  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Chest pain that is sharp and stabbing and may get worse with a deep breath
  • Unexplained cough, sometimes with bloody mucus

Blood Clots are a Public Health Crisis of National Urgency

Each year, an estimated 900,000 Americans will suffer blood clots, of which nearly one third – 300,000 will be fatal.  When a blood clot forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower limbs, circulation becomes blocked.  Too often, these blood clots break away and travel to the lungs. When this occurs it is called a pulmonary embolism (PE) which can result in death.  This silent, vascular killer affects so many diseases and conditions.

In the Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia area – the Surgeon General estimates that blood clots will strike more than 27,000 people each year, resulting in over 4,500 deaths, most of which are preventable.  Information released recently from the Mayo Clinic  provides significantly higher estimates for this area, with blood clots striking nearly 41,000 people and resulting in over 13,000 deaths.

Those most at risk include:

HIGH RISK
Hospitalization
Major surgery, such as abdominal/pelvic surgery
Knee or hip replacement
Major trauma: auto accident or fall
Nursing home living
Leg paralysis
 
MODERATE RISK
Older than age 65
Trips by plane over 4 hours (car, train, bus)
Active cancer/chemotherapy
Bone fracture or cast
Birth control pills, patch, or ring
Hormone replacement therapy
Pregnancy or recently gave birth
Prior blood clot or family history of a clot
Heart failure
Bed rest over 3 days
Obesity
Genetic/hereditary or acquired blood clotting disorder
 
AVERAGE RISK
Active
Younger than age 40
No history of blood clots in immediate family
No conditions or illnesses that heighten clotting risk

Take charge of your health!  Knowing the symptoms will truly make a difference.

Learn to Recognize Leg Blood Clot Symptoms!

Symptoms occur in the affected leg when a clot obstructs blood flow and causes inflammation. Symptoms may include the following:

  • Swelling
  • Gradual onset of pain
  • Redness
  • Warmth to the touch
  • Worsening leg pain when bending the foot
  • Leg cramps, especially at night
  • Bluish or whitish discoloration of skin
  • However, almost 30%-50% of individuals with DVT do not experience symptoms from the condition.

Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT is a Public Health Crisis of National Urgency:

  • Each year, an estimated 900,000 Americans will suffer blood clots, of which nearly one third – 300,000 will be fatal.

For more details, please visit your local healthcare provider or www.StopTheClot.org.