Lunchtime Doctor: Dr. Brittany Deane Warns of Rising Blood-Clot Risks
Port of Spain, August 10, 2026 — In a special “Lunchtime Doctor” segment on Freedom 106.5 FM, the show host welcomed Dr. Brittany Deane to discuss the science behind blood clots, their dangers, and how listeners can protect themselves.
Dr. Deane opened the conversation by explaining that blood clotting is a normal, essential survival mechanism that stops bleeding after injury. She described how platelets and clotting factors work together to form a fibrin mesh that seals damaged vessels. While this process is vital, the doctor warned that clots can become hazardous when they form inside deep veins—a condition known as venous thromboembolism (VTE).
The physician clarified that VTE encompasses two main disorders: deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), where a clot develops in a deep vein—usually in the leg—and pulmonary embolism (PE), where part of the clot breaks free, travels through the heart, and blocks a pulmonary artery. Dr. Deane emphasized that a clot’s location and movement determine the medical emergency it creates.
Dr. Deane outlined the three primary mechanisms that drive abnormal clot formation, often called the “Virchow triad”:
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Stagnant blood flow – prolonged immobility, such as bed rest after surgery, long flights, or paralysis, reduces the calf-muscle pump that normally keeps blood moving.
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Vessel wall injury – trauma, surgery, or inflammatory conditions damage the inner lining of veins or arteries.
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Hyper-coagulable blood – certain cancers, hormonal therapies, pregnancy, inherited clotting disorders, and other illnesses make blood more prone to clotting.
Dr. Deane listed the most common risk factors for DVT and PE, including:
- Prior clot events
- Major orthopedic surgery or prolonged hospitalization
- Cancer, especially advanced disease
- Advanced age, obesity, smoking, and hormonal contraception
- Pregnancy and the postpartum period
- Genetic thrombophilias
She stressed that clots can occur in younger, otherwise healthy individuals when multiple risk factors overlap, and that many clots produce little or no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may involve sudden swelling, pain, warmth, or redness in one leg (or arm), as well as unexplained shortness of breath, sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, rapid heartbeat, coughing up blood, or faintness—warnings that demand immediate emergency care.
Dr. Deane urged listeners to seek professional medical evaluation—typically an ultrasound—to confirm a suspected DVT rather than self-diagnosing or attempting massage, which can be harmful.
After the educational portion, the show opened the phone lines for audience questions. Dr. Deane answered queries about constipation, recommending gradual increases in fiber, adequate hydration, and regular movement. She provided the station’s contact numbers (625-2257, 627-3223 for calls; 306-1065 for WhatsApp) for listeners needing further medical advice.
The segment concluded with Dr. Deane reminding the public that recognizing the combination of symptoms and risk factors is crucial for timely treatment and that early medical assessment can prevent severe complications such as pulmonary embolism.