Dangerous Clots
What is a blood clot? Well if you speak patois then it is something not too nice to say. Well, when it comes to our bodies it is something not to be desired. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary embolism (PE) affect people every year yet are undiagnosed at the early stage, this silent killer was introduced more publicly when David Bloom a NBC journalist covering the war died suddenly from DVT and PE. The symptoms and or warning signs of DVT are sometimes swollen arms and legs, skin redness, and a warm red spot, typically on the leg. The symptoms of PE are shortness of breath. The issues are physician’s mistake these signs as skin infections and a person considered out of shape. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality have stated some causes for blood clots are obesity, being over the age of 65, having had a bad bump or bruise, being confined to chair or bed for a long time, taking hormones (e.g. birth control) and there are plenty more. Once a person is diagnosed they are typically prescribed a blood thinner, the most common warfarin. The National, Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has begun funding research on genotype guided dosing of warfarin. The two genes being tested are CYP2C9 and VKORC1. These two genes would help clinicians find the best treatment for their patients. The question may not be is this necessary testing of genetics or sound reason to determine the best medication needed. The facts are if the dosage is administered wrong a person may experience excess bleeding while taking the medication. If the genetic testing is administered the side effects could be avoided as well the patient receives truly effective treatment. Is genetic testing for persons taking medicine for heart issues, diabetes, cancer, flu, common cold, and etc? Now some might suggest that is not the same yet, the purpose is to receive effective healthcare and have great outcomes. If genetic testing is applied to the common illness is this not preventative healthcare? Is not better to know the best medicine to take for a cold rather than purchasing the medicine that is not for your body? The issue of warfarin does not only address genetic testing rather it determines out future of medicine. We all know that no one person is the same and genetic testing supports this theory in some respect. Yet, as a society would we perceive genetic testing only imperative in the matters of life and death or a necessity to live a full healthy life.

KIRK

For further information please visit these websites http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/bloodclots.pdf
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/10/06/hlsb1006.htm
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/464/warfarin_brochure.pdf
http://www.warfarindosing.org/Source/Home.aspx