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Thrombosis is a very common condition. One in four people worldwide die from thrombosis-related conditions. It is the pathology behind heart attack, thromboembolic stroke and pulmonary embolism. For this reason, it is very important that we all be informed about this condition.
What do we call thrombosis?
Thrombosis is the clotting of blood in the blood vessels (arteries or veins).
Under normal circumstances, thrombosis is a normal phase of haemostasis, in which the body tries to stop blood from flowing out of a vessel when it becomes damaged. When the bleeding stops, the body intervenes again, inhibiting clotting and restoring blood circulation. However, in pathological conditions, clotting of a vessel does not occur smoothly, resulting in blockage and interruption of blood circulation.
What types of thrombosis are there?
Thromboses are divided into the following two categories:
- Venous thrombosis, when a blood clot blocks a vein. Clotting can occur in either a superficial (superficial) or deep (deep) vein.
- Arterial thrombosis, when a blood clot blocks an artery.
What is the mechanism that creates the clot?
The clot is due to three causes:
- Stasis (pooling) of blood within the vessel
- Injury to the endothelium (the inner lining of the vessel)
- Hypercoagulability (blood clots more easily)
What are the risk factors?
Risk factors for venous thrombosis may include:
- Certain infections
- Smoking
- Taking contraceptives and other medicines
- Injury to the legs
- Surgery
- Prolonged immobility (e.g. hospitalisation, transatlantic air travel, lifestyle)
- Family history of hypercoagulability (thrombophilia)
- Pregnancy and/or recent childbirth
- Personal history of previous thrombosis
- Central venous catheter
- Advanced age
- Certain conditions, such as cancer or autoimmune diseases
- Obesity
The risk factors for arterial thrombosis are the same as for venous thrombosis, with the following additional ones:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
What are the symptoms of thrombosis?
Depending on the vessel that is clogged and the organ(s) affected, the symptoms will be similar.
Deep vein thrombosis occurs most often in the lower limbs and symptoms include:
- Swelling
- Sensitivity
- Pain
- Feeling of heat or burning
- The skin may turn blue or red
- Fever
There is a possibility that part of the clot may break off and end up in the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. In this case, the patient will experience shortness of breath, tachypnoea, chest pain and tachycardia.
What are the complications of thrombosis?
A complication of deep vein thrombosis is post-thrombotic syndrome, which causes permanent swelling and ulcers in the limb.
The most serious problems that a thrombosis can cause are stroke, heart attack and pulmonary embolism.
How is thrombosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves taking a history, clinical examination and more specific tests, such as:
- Vessel triplex (ultrasound)
- Laboratory blood tests
- Phlebography or arteriography:
- MRI, MRA or CT, CTA
How is thrombosis treated?
The design of the appropriate treatment plan for each case will be determined based on:
- Age, overall health and medical history
- The severity of the disease
- How well the body tolerates certain medicines or treatments
When the condition is expected to worsen, treatment may include:
- Use of special elastic socks
- Anticoagulation
- Catheterization for the opening - enlargement of the affected vessels
- Insertion of a stent, which prevents the blood vessel from closing
- Thrombolytic drugs
- Surgical removal in more severe conditions
- Placement of special "filters" in the inferior vena cava to prevent massive pulmonary embolism
Inference
Proper information is the best prevention. By knowing the risk factors, you know what you need to do, in consultation with your doctor, to reduce the chance of a clot. In addition, it is easier to detect an event and act in time, avoiding any complications.
Bibliography
- https://www.hygeia.gr/thromvosi-mia-sychni-pathisi-poy-ypotimoyme-anoigoyme-ta-matia-mas-sti-thromvosi-giati-i-sosti-enimerosi-tin-prolamvanei/
- https://veintherapy.gr/pathiseis/thromvwsi/
- https://www.hesmo.gr/el/ενημερωση/ασθενείς/ενημέρωση-ασθενών/244-παγκόσμια-ημέρα-θρόμβωσης-η-θρόμβωση-μπορεί-να-προληφθεί-μάθε-πώς-και-πρόλαβε-τον-κίνδυνο
- https://aggeiopathia.gr/el/thromvosi-ti-einai-kai-pos-antimetopizetai.html
- https://www.capital.gr/health/3406508/ti-einai-i-thrombosi-kai-giati-einai-epikinduni-gia-ti-zoi
- https://www.euroclinic.gr/article/thromvosi-epiplokes/
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