Venous thrombo-embolic diseases, a silent danger in Togo
- Posted on 14/06/2025 14:51
- Film
- By abelozih@sante-education.tg
Extract from the article: « La thrombose veineuse profonde et l’embolie pulmonaire sont encore appelées maladies thrombo-emboliques veineuses (MTEV) et peu connues du grand public. Pourtant, elles causent des ravages silencieux au Togo », a indiqué le Pr. Jean-Marie Damorou,
« Deep-vein
thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are still known as venous thrombo-embolic
diseases (VTE) and are little known to the general public. Yet they are causing
silent havoc in Togo », said Professor Jean-Marie Damorou, Cardiologist
and Head of the programme to combat cardiovascular disease in Togo. He was
speaking at the 2nd national congress of the Society of Cardiology in Togo
(SOCART), held on 12 and 13 June on the theme of « Hypertension-Vein
Thromboembolic Diseases (VTE) ».
Prof.
Damorou shows that thrombo-embolic venous diseases mainly involve two
conditions: deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when a clot forms in a
vein of the lower limbs, and pulmonary embolism (PE), when this clot migrates
to the lungs.
« VTE diseases are currently on
the increase. A study carried out in Togo in 2006 revealed that its prevalence
was around 1%. Today, it stands at 10%, showing a sharp increase in prevalence.
When we talk about VTE, we are primarily talking about phlebitis, an inflammation
of the veins, often accompanied by swelling of the legs. These clots can
migrate to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. This is a worrying
situation. In terms of severity, it's a serious disease, because it blocks
blood circulation and can lead to heart failure, which can be fatal for the
patient », he explained.
The risk factors are there
The
causes of these diseases are well known, according to Prof. Damorou. « Among the risk factors are obesity, a
sedentary lifestyle, venous insufficiency and poor eating habits. Foods high in
fat, sugar and salt encourage obesity, all of which are risk factors for VTE »,
he adds.
In
Togo, several efforts are being made by the government to treat people with
VTE. Professor Damorou points out that medical treatment is based on
examinations and anticoagulant treatments. « For
people already suffering from VTE, treatment is available. At the CHU, we have
specialised cardiologists. We have trained cardiologists and opened a
cardiology school to improve patient care. We also run awareness campaigns, as
well as primary and secondary prevention initiatives », he explains.
A healthy lifestyle
To
prevent VTEs, Prof.
Damorou, recommends regular physical activity and a healthy diet, i.e. eating
less fat, sugar and salt, and doing at least 30 minutes of physical exercise a
day.
Source: Agence Togolaise de Presse
(ATOP)
