Thrombosis – causes, treatment and prevention. The six most common symptoms of thrombosis [EXPLAIN]

Proven content

Thrombosis is an insidious disease – it can develop quietly and give no symptoms at all. Unfortunately, the effects of thrombosis can be very serious – pulmonary embolism and death can occur. It is estimated that about half a million people in Europe die from this disease every year. Therefore, it is especially important to know the causes and symptoms of thrombosis.

Thrombosis – characteristics

Thrombosis is a venous thromboembolism. Thrombosis usually affects the veins of the leg, less often the thigh or the pelvis, but thrombosis of the hepatic and portal veins is also common. Thrombosis is a condition where a venous embolism occurs that restricts or completely blocks the lumen of the vein. The clot prevents the blood from flowing properly in the vein, which is manifested by symptoms that are unpleasant for the patient.

Thrombosis is the disease that precedes venous thromboembolism. In the course of this disease, a fragment of the clot detaches from the vein wall. The clot may travel into organs or other parts of the body along with the blood.

This, in turn, causes ischemia and hypoxia of local tissues. Failure to diagnose and treatment of thrombosis may cause venous embolism of the heart or lungs, which often results in sudden death of the patient.

Venous thrombosis is a disease in which a clot develops in the lumen of a blood vessel under the deep fascia. In connection with the above, the pathological changes concern deep veins. Therefore, the full name of this condition is deep vein thrombosis.

If you want to learn more about the structure and functions of the circulatory system, be sure to read: The functions of the circulatory system

Types of thrombosis

Thrombosis is not a homogeneous disease and there are several types of this disease in medicine. The types of thrombosis are distinguished based on the location of the clot that occurs. The following types of venous thrombosis are listed:

1. distal thrombosis – is a type of thrombosis that affects the veins of the calf. Distal thrombosis is the most common. It is a disease that rarely leads to life-threatening pulmonary embolisms;
2. proximal thrombosis – is a type of thrombosis in the leg, especially in the popliteal, inferior vena cava, and iliac and femoral veins. Proximal thrombosis should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible as pulmonary embolism is a common complication;
3. superficial vein thrombosis – it is thrombosis, which is an accompanying disease of varicose veins. Surface vein thrombosis involves the veins just below the fascia;
4. deep vein thrombosis – is a thrombosis involving the venous system of the lower extremities;
5. pulmonary embolism – also known as pulmonary thrombosis;
6. hepatic thrombosis – thrombotic changes occur in the veins of the liver. They can also cover the inferior vena cava;
7. thrombosis in pregnancy – a type of thrombosis acquired during pregnancy. Venous thrombosis in pregnancy affects the ilio-femoral segment and is caused by the compression of vessels and organs by the uterus;
8. painful swelling – acute venous thrombosis with many painful symptoms.

Thrombosis – causes

In a properly functioning circulatory system, the flow of blood through the veins to the heart is in no way restricted or blocked. Blood from the veins in the lower extremities is pumped to the heart by working muscles, while the flow of blood in the other direction is controlled by valves in the veins.

If the blood flow mechanism is disturbed, it becomes inflamed and, as a consequence, the epithelium lining the veins is damaged. Where there is damage, platelets stick to the walls of the veins and form a clot of each other. In this situation, the lumen of the blood vessels becomes narrow, which impedes or prevents the free flow of peripheral blood to the heart.

There are 3 factors that can lead to thrombosis. The appearance of at least two of the three symptoms of the so-called Virchow’s triad may be the cause of this ailment. The hypothesis about the causes of thrombosis was first proposed in 1856 by Rudolf Virchow, a German pathologist and anthropologist. Symptoms of the Virchow triad are:

1. disorders in the venous blood flow – may be caused, for example, by the immobilization of the leg or pressure on the veins;
2. changes in blood compositionwhich increase the risk of a blood clot forming – e.g. thrombocythemia
3. changes in the vascular endotheliumwhich arise as a result of vessel damage as a result of various external factors. 

However, it is assumed that the most common causes of thrombosis are long-term immobilization of the leg and the use of oral contraceptives in people with additional risk factors.

It is very rare for a thrombosis to develop in the upper limbs. Once diagnosed, it is usually caused by overloading the limb or pressure on the vein by the rib, collarbone or muscles.

Thrombosis often occurs in people who stay in hospital for a long time because of serious illness or for orthopedic or surgical operations. This most often affects the elderly. These people should be under constant medical care.

Symptoms of thrombosis

The symptoms of thrombosis are quite distinctive and the list is relatively long. Knowing the symptoms of thrombosis is extremely important as it can prevent serious complications from the condition.

When discussing symptoms that indicate thrombosis, it is worth paying attention to 6 the most common symptoms of thrombosis:

1. swelling and pain in the legs – deep vein thrombosis is the most common type of disease. One of the first signs that something is going on in the body is pain in the legs, which is relieved by lifting the limb upwards. You may also notice some swelling. The skin has a strange color? It can also be a symptom of a thrombosis. When the blood is not flowing properly, the skin can be pale and even grayish blue. If you notice these ailments, do not hesitate and make an appointment to see a doctor quickly;
2. fever – fever is observed in patients with both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. It is also worth paying attention to the warming of one limb – if the leg feels warmer than the rest of the body, it may indicate that a clot has formed;
3. pain in the chest – chest pain is usually associated with a heart attack, but it is worth knowing that it is also characteristic of a very dangerous pulmonary embolism. If it is accompanied by a feeling of pressure and difficulty breathing, call an ambulance immediately. It is a life-threatening condition as it can lead to sudden cardiac arrest;
4. limb paresis – frequent numbness in the limbs should make you anxious. It does not necessarily mean that you have thrombosis, but it is a symptom of many conditions, e.g. neurological, so it’s better to check it. Lack of feeling in the arms and legs may also indicate thrombosis. Why? Disrupted blood flow causes numbness and tingling in the limbs;
5. shortness of breath – if you are short of breath, it may be a silent symptom of a thrombosis. Often you can’t catch your breath? Better to see a doctor, as such a symptom may indicate a pulmonary embolism. Of course, shortness of breath may be a symptom of temporary weakness, but it can also be a symptom of more serious health problems such as heart failure and angina;
6. speech and vision disorders – a blurry image may be the result of a blood flow disorder. If, in addition to vision problems, there are other problems mentioned above, consult your doctor. A specialist will assess whether further tests are needed. 

Do your symptoms require medical consultation? Check it out for yourself in a short medical interview.

Thrombosis – Who Is At Risk?

There are a few cases of increased risk of developing thrombosis. The risk group includes mainly people who:

1. are 40 years of age – after the age of 40, the risk of developing thrombosis increases twice in each subsequent decade of life;
2. are immobilized as a result of an accident or a severe chronic disease – immobilization of the body, especially the legs, reduces the flow of venous blood. It is worth noting that it may also be dangerous for the patient’s health to sit still for several hours, for example while traveling by plane;
3. underwent surgical procedures in the area of ​​the lower limbs, abdominal cavity or pelvis. In this case, thrombosis is the result of vascular wall damage, general anesthesia, and prolonged immobilization;
4. suffered from deep vein thrombosis – the likelihood of developing a thrombosis is significantly higher in those patients who have already been diagnosed with the disease, even after successful treatment;
5. are pregnant and during the puerperium – during pregnancy, women suffer from hypercoagulability, in addition, blood stagnation occurs in the abdominal cavity as a result of increased pressure. These factors contribute to the development of thrombosis;
6. are using oral contraceptives and are undergoing hormone replacement therapy – preparations used for contraception reduce the activity of anti-clotting processes, thanks to which platelets stick together more easily and form a clot;
7. suffer from malignant tumorsespecially a tumor of the brain, pancreas, lung or ovary;
8. heal for other diseasessuch as circulatory failure, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, thrombocytopenia, limb paralysis, and nephrotic syndrome;
9. with congenital or acquired blood clotting disorder;
10. leading an unhealthy lifestyle, smoking, obese or with varicose veins;
11. after a stroke, heart attack or ception.

In the prevention of thrombosis, it is worth using ecological birch sap from Polish forests.

Do you know what an artery is and how important it is in the human body? Read on: Artery – what it is and what role it plays in the human body

Thrombosis – what tests are worth doing?

Symptoms of thrombosis are not always specific, so the doctor should refer the patient to a proper examination before making a diagnosis. Performing tests will primarily rule out other diseases, such as hypertension or circulatory failure.

One of the first and most important tests during a medical interview is the so-called scale Wellsa. In this study, the patient answers 12 questions that relate to his general health and symptoms of thrombosis. One point is awarded for each yes.

The sum of the points determines the level of probability of developing a thrombosis. If the probability is low, a D-dimer test result is required to rule out thrombosis. If there is a high probability of thrombosis, other tests should be performed and treatment with anticoagulants should be instituted.

Necessary diagnostics in suspected thrombosis include the following tests:

1. Doppler ultrasound – the test allows you to accurately observe what is happening in the veins. Lumps on the walls and disturbances in blood flow indicate clots and blood clots;
2. magnetic resonance imaging;
3. contrast venography;
4. physical examination;
5. study of D-dimers (D-dimers are formed during the breakdown of blood clots).

During the diagnosis of venous thrombosis, it is also worth performing genetic tests in this direction. This test should be considered by people with a family history of thrombosis.

What are the most common diseases of the circulatory system? Check: Diseases of the circulatory system

Thrombosis – treatment

There are several methods of treating thrombosis. The most important and commonly used treatments for thrombosis are:

1. anticoagulant therapy – it is the most commonly used treatment for thrombosis. The main purpose of this method is to prevent the clot from growing, but also to prevent the formation of more clots. Anticoagulation is largely used to prevent pulmonary embolism. In this method of treatment, the patient is given subcutaneous injections of heparin for a minimum of 5 days. If the disease is very advanced, the injection period may be 10 days. People who struggle with malignant neoplasm often undergo therapy for up to six months. Additionally, the patient is administered an orally anticoagulant drug – acenocoumarol. This drug is prophylactic and reduces the risk of developing thrombosis again. This method of treatment can be used not only in a hospital, but also at home, especially if the patient’s health is stable;
2. thrombolytic treatment – this treatment is to dissolve the blood clot in the vein. Thrombolytic therapy is used in severe cases of proximal thrombosis, especially when the patient is at risk of limb amputation. Treatment is based on the administration of intravenous or topical streptokinase via a catheter. Treatment takes place in a hospital setting;
3. surgery – surgery is the least frequently used treatment for thrombosis. The decision to undergo surgery is made when the disease is very advanced and thrombolytic therapy cannot be used. During surgery, the clot is removed using a Fogatry catheter. In some cases, your doctor may decide to insert an inferior vena cava filter. The filter is designed to keep the clots from reaching the lungs and causing pulmonary embolism.

What does cardiology do? Check: Cardiology – the science of the heart

Thrombosis in pregnancy – is the risk of developing the disease increased?

Pregnant women should observe their body in a special way and react to disturbing symptoms that indicate thrombosis. The risk of venous thrombosis increases during pregnancy. This applies in particular to those women who used oral contraceptives before becoming pregnant.

Venous thromboembolism is one of the common causes of miscarriages in the second and third trimesters. For this reason, we recommend genetic testing for thromboembolism available on Medonet Market. You can also perform a wider package of genetic tests for pregnant or planning pregnancy.

The risk of thrombosis in pregnancy increases as a result of hormonal changes and increased pressure on the iliac veins and pressure on other organs of the uterus. In addition, the developing fetus puts pressure on the iliac veins, which causes a thrombosis in the ilio-femoral area.

What are the causes and symptoms of low blood pressure? Check: Low blood pressure – symptoms, risks, how to treat?

Thrombosis – the most common complications

Undiagnosed and untreated thrombosis is dangerous to the health and life of the patient. The occurring complications may lead to chronic venous insufficiency or thrombotic syndrome.

One of the more common complications of thrombosis there is a pulmonary embolism. This complication is serious as it poses a direct threat to the patient’s life. In extreme cases, pulmonary embolism can cause cardiac arrest, hypoxia and, consequently, death.

Complications leading to pulmonary embolism most often concern obese people, people suffering from cancer, after operations or injuries. Symptoms of pulmonary thrombosis are shortness of breath, fever, chest pain, cough, haemoptysis, tachycardia and dizziness.

You can buy the microINR blood coagulation device today at Medonet Market. You will then be able to monitor your health also at home.

A common complication of thrombosis is also retrograde embolism. The complication is that a detached thrombus may close the peripheral vessel, leading to tissue or organ ischemia. Symptoms of retrograde embolism are severe and sudden pain, pale and cold skin, and lower limb paresis. In some cases, the surface veins collapse and the heart rate is virtually undetectable.

What is sclerotherapy and when is it performed? Read on: Sclerotherapy – what is this treatment about, when to use it and what are the effects?

Thrombosis – can it be prevented?

Prophylactic measures in the event of thrombosis are extremely important, especially for people who are at risk. The methods of preventing thrombosis are divided into two groups: pharmacological and physical.

Physical methods reduce venous stasis and include:

1. raising the legs above the level of the body when lying down;
2. frequent movements or exercises to activate the joints of the lower limbs;
3. starting the patient as soon as possible after operations or procedures;
4. limiting prolonged sitting or standing position, limb movement is important;
5. the use of elastic stockings for the lower limbs – however, remember not to use them in cases of atherosclerosis, inflammatory changes or skin ulcerations.

Pharmacological methods on the other hand, they reduce blood clotting. They consist of taking low molecular weight heparin and oral anticoagulants. The cardiovascular system can be supported with supplementation. Natural cardiovascular supplements are available on Medonet Market. Proven products can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Strong menstrual pain is not always “so beautiful” or a woman’s hypersensitivity. Endometriosis may be behind such a symptom. What is this disease and how is living with it? Listen to the podcast about endometriosis by Patrycja Furs – Endo-girl.