Nivin Kumarapperuma died due to Deep Vein Thrombosis

The sudden demise of young Nivin Kumarapperuma, the beloved son of President's Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma, was a tragic incident that deeply shocked the entire society. Having received his primary education from Royal College, Colombo, and then completing his higher education in Canada before returning to his homeland, he was an extremely intelligent and talented young man poised to render great service for the future of the country.

However, his untimely departure, which occurred at an unexpected moment, has brought unbearable grief and loss not only to his family and friends but to everyone close to him who knew him.

Forensic medical reports have confirmed that the cause of this intelligent young man's life being taken from us is a severe medical condition known in medicine as ‘Deep Vein Thrombosis’ (DVT). Medically, it is indicated that this dangerous condition arises due to blood clots forming in the deep veins inside the body, especially in the leg or hip areas. Since no clear symptoms are outwardly visible in the initial stages, this condition is also referred to as a ‘silent killer’ in the medical field.

The primary reason this condition becomes more fatal is the ability of a blood clot formed in the veins to circulate throughout the body with blood flow and travel to the lungs. This condition, known as ‘Pulmonary Embolism,’ is an extremely complex and dangerous complication that can lead to sudden death without any prior warning. Currently, many young people face such tragedies due to neglecting the seriousness of this condition.

Sitting for long periods continuously, especially engaging in long-distance flights or spending time motionless in the same posture near a computer, are major contributing factors to this condition. Remaining in one place slows down blood circulation in the body, which damages the veins and significantly increases the tendency for blood to clot. To protect oneself from this severe condition, it is essential to drink adequate water daily, avoid sitting continuously by getting up and walking occasionally, and adopt an active lifestyle or exercise routine that helps maintain proper blood circulation in the body.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) refers to the formation of a blood clot within a “deep vein” in the body. This is commonly found in the leg, particularly in the calf/thigh area. This is important because if the blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, it can cause a life-threatening condition called Pulmonary Embolism (PE).

Common symptoms include swelling in one leg or arm, pain / tenderness / cramp-like pain in the calf area, warmth in the affected area, redness or discoloration. Some people with DVT may not have any symptoms. If you experience the following symptoms, seek immediate emergency medical attention: difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood, sudden dizziness/fainting, rapid or irregular heartbeat. These could be symptoms of PE. Prolonged immobility, long flights/bus journeys, recent surgery, bone fracture, cancer, pregnancy, obesity, smoking, hormone/contraceptive medications, a history of DVT/PE, and some heart conditions increase the risk. As stated by Mayo Clinic, conditions like heart failure can increase the risk of DVT and PE. A doctor will examine and typically perform tests such as Doppler/duplex ultrasound. In some cases, a D-dimer blood test is also done. Tests are important because DVT/PE symptoms can resemble those of other diseases.

The main treatment is administering blood thinners / anticoagulants to prevent the clot from growing and traveling to the lungs. The type and duration of medication are determined by the doctor based on the patient's condition. Do not start aspirin or any other blood thinner on your own—medical advice is essential, especially if you have underlying conditions like a heart stent/diabetes. If you suspect DVT: If one leg is unusually swollen, painful, warm, or red/dark in color, see a doctor as soon as possible.

The most noble tribute that can be paid to Nivin, an intelligent young man with a promising future whose untimely demise has taught society this valuable lesson, would be to practically apply this lesson for the safety of one's own life.