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Page 12, RURAL-URBAN RECORD, December 7, 2020

Fainting spells for elderly Pros and cons of

linked to blood clots joint replacement surgery

Falls are one of the greatest risk factors for injury To people outside the medical field, joint replacement
among the aging population. When falls are attributed to surgery might sound like a solution that’s considered only
fainting spells, people may be very eager to get to the after all other options have been exhausted. But joint
source of the fall. Doctors have found that blood clots replacement surgery has become very common, even
may attribute to fainting in the elderly. though some studies have suggested certain procedures
Information published in the journal Clinical Geriatric are being performed unnecessarily.
Medicine found that the elderly are at a higher risk of A 2014 study published in the journal Arthritis and
blood clots because of their reduced mobility. Blood clots Rheumatology found that one-third of patients who un-
• Rely on darker contrasts. Contrasting colors can may result in deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, and could dergo knee replacement surgery may not be appropriate
make it easier to see edges and lines of demarcation. For lead to a pulmonary embolism if left untreated. candidates for the procedure because their symptoms
example, use a dark tablecloth and white dishes to see DVT is a common problem involving the veins of the are not severe enough to merit aggressive intervention
table settings and food more clearly. legs. Blood pooling in the legs may cause a blood clot to like surgery.
• Label items. Bold-colored labels or those of different form in the deep veins of the lower leg, impairing blood The decision to undergo surgery is always a patient’s
shapes can help set items apart when reading containers flow back to the heart. A pulmonary embolism, or PE, oc- to make. Weighing some pros and cons of joint replace-
or boxes becomes challenging. curs when a clot dislodges from the leg veins and travels ment surgery can help patients make the most informed
• Use filters and shields. Certain devices, such as lens through the bloodstream to reach the heart and lungs. decisions possible.
filters and shields, can reduce glare and improve vision. According to the health site Aging Care, as many as one Pros
Individuals also can invest in shields for their computers million Americans suffer from blood clots every year, of- The Cleveland Clinic notes that many patients who
or tablet screens to reduce glare. ten resulting in hospitalization. have undergone joint replacement surgeries have expe-
• Choose “large print” formats. At local booksellers, While swelling in the legs, cramping in the lower legs, rienced dramatic improvement within a relatively short
seek books that are available in large print. This makes it skin color changes, and warmth of the skin where the clot time after undergoing the surgery. Much of that improve-
easier to enjoy reading. is located can signal a problem, symptoms of a PE may ment is related to pain, which for many people becomes
• Switch bulbs at home. The eye care resource All vary greatly. Shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and overwhelming prior to surgery.
About Vision suggests swapping fluorescent and incan- rapid or irregular heartbeat can all occur, says The Mayo Another benefit to joint replacement surgery is the re-
descent light bulbs with warm-toned LED bulbs. These Clinic. Researchers are finding that, in some cases, faint- covery time. For example, the Cleveland Clinic notes that
bulbs emit less blue light and can be more comforting ing episodes also may be indicative of a PE. Italian re- patients who have knee replacement surgery are usually
with reduced glare. searchers revealed that, among 560 patients hospitalized standing and even moving the joint the day after their
• Invest in adaptive devices. Large-button phones with for a first-time fainting spell, one in six had a PE. surgeries. Within six weeks, those same patients are typ-
speed dial, large-print calendars, watches that speak the People who are experiencing fainting spells should be ically walking comfortably with very little support. While
time, and digital home assistant devices also can help on the radar for other symptoms of PE, advises the Amer- each patient is different, any fears that joint replacement
men and women overcome vision loss. ican College of Chest Physicians. However, it’s important surgery will require patients to be immobile for months
Low vision impacts daily living, but there are ways to to note that fainting can be attributed to dehydration, a after surgery are unwarranted.
counter the effects of impaired vision. drop in blood pressure and heart-rhythm disturbances. Joint replacement surgery also can be a long-term
Certain risk factors put people at a higher chance for solution, whereas the alternatives might not be. The
DVT and PE. These include: Cleveland Clinic says that roughly 85 percent of knee im-
· prior surgery plants will last 20 years, and that life expectancy figures
· certain cancers to grow as technology advances.
· cardiovascular disease Cons
· bed rest that causes blood to pool As beneficial as joint replacement surgery can be, it’s
· sitting for long periods of time not without downsides. Cost is one such disadvantage.
· smoking How much a patient pays for the surgery depends on his
· being overweight or her coverage, but AARP notes that the average knee
Use of compression stockings to move blood more replacement surgery costs $31,000. Such costs can be
efficiently, physical activity, leg elevation, anticoagulants, prohibitive for aging men and women who are no longer
and pneumatic compression can help prevent the forma- working.
tion of clots. Because PE can be life-threatening, peo- Another potential disadvantage to going under the
ple experiencing fainting or other symptoms are urged to knife, especially for those who are borderline candidates
speak with their doctors. for replacement surgeries, is the likelihood that surgery