Index
- Thrombosis, a cardiovascular disease at risk
- The different causes of thrombosis occurrence
- Symptoms of thrombosis
- Thrombosis in the leg
- Ocular thrombosis
- Brain thrombosis
- The best ways to prevent thrombosis
- Prevention of venous thrombosis
- Prevention of arterial thrombosis
- Appropriate care of venous and arterial thrombosis
Thrombosis, a cardiovascular disease at risk
Thrombosis or thrombus is a clot that forms in a blood vessel, causing it to become blocked and interrupting blood flow. It can be venous or arterial depending on whether it forms in a vein or an artery. Thrombosis causes various complications depending on the part of the body affected. The clot can break away from where it formed and migrate into an artery in the lung via the bloodstream. Thus, a thrombosis prevents the supply of oxygenated blood to a downstream organ.
The different causes of thrombosis occurrence
The main reason for the occurrence of thrombosis is the deterioration of the blood vessels. It may be due to ageing. But a person's lifestyle can also contribute to it. For example, the following diseases increase the wear and tear on the blood vessels:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Hypercholesterolemia
Smoking is also another cause of thrombosis. Otherwise, the following three conditions together favour thrombosis. These include:
- Stasis or considerable slowing of blood flow
- An increase in the propensity of the blood to clot
- Alterations to the venous walls
Surgery or an accident can cause thrombosis as a result of damaged vessels. A broken leg or ankle can also develop thrombosis without surgery. A heart arrhythmia, a prolonged lying position, or a long journey in a sitting position can impede blood circulation. Otherwise, some cancer drugs can change the blood composition and promote blood clotting.
Symptoms of thrombosis
Generally, thrombosis affects the lower limbs. The symptoms depend on the location of the clot. An oedema, redness, pain in the calf and leg and a feeling of heat are signs of superficial venous thrombosis. When the pain is sharp in the thigh or calf and in some cases in the arm, the patient suffers from deep vein thrombosis. The affected limb may be subject to a sensation of heat, numbness or cramps. When blood circulation is impeded, the skin takes on a bluish or whitish tinge. It is tight, swollen and shiny. A deep vein thrombosis in the calf causes sharp pain when the tip of the foot is raised towards the knee.
Thrombosis in the leg
Signs appear on the legs, but not always, because sometimes thrombosis on the legs is asymptomatic. The leg swells quickly. It is reddish or bluish. It is heavy or very painful. A slight rise in temperature may occur.
Ocular thrombosis
The migration of a clot from a vessel in the heart or neck can lead it into an artery or vein in the retina. Appearing in the elderly in most cases, the signs are: a drop in vision in one eye, light spots or spots may appear in the eye.
Brain thrombosis
Also known as cerebral venous thrombosis, a throbbing headache is the main symptom. Epileptic seizures, loss of consciousness, paralysis of limbs, difficulty in speaking, are also signs.
The best ways to prevent thrombosis
By complying with certain rules, it is possible to avoid thrombosis altogether. Diet, hygiene and lifestyle are therefore taken into account. Regular physical activity will considerably reduce the risk of thrombosis.
Prevention of venous thrombosis
Weight loss can be useful for an obese person. Long downtime such as a car or plane trip should be avoided. Wearing compression stockings and treating varicose veins are recommended to avoid complications. It is important to make sure that you are properly hydrated.
Prevention of arterial thrombosis
Reducing the risk of cardiovascular accidents is a form of arterial thrombosis prevention. Regular medical check-ups are therefore advisable to monitor the rate of diabetes or blood pressure. Smoking is another factor in the occurrence of thrombosis and should be banned. The diet should be low in sugar and fat to avoid diabetes and high cholesterol.
Appropriate care of venous and arterial thrombosis
Venous thromboses are treated with anticoagulants. The aim is to thin the blood. Wearing compression stockings is a preventive treatment for this disease. Subcutaneous injections of heparin can also help to prevent the formation of venous thrombosis. Arterial thrombosis is treated by thrombectomy or bypass surgery. These surgeries involve removing the thrombus from the blood vessel. Bypass surgery consists of bypassing the compressed parts of the arteries by means of a vascular prosthesis. Drug treatment of the disease is based on the use of anti-platelet agents. The blood cells that accumulate on the atheromatous plaque are limited.
