What is thrombosis and how to prevent it

What is thrombosis

Thrombosis is a condition of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more veins in the body. They most often appear in the shins, thighs, or pelvis, but sometimes other parts of the body as well. Clots partially or completely block the blood flow in the vessels, which over time can develop other diseases, up to and including death.

If a blood clot breaks off, passes through the bloodstream and gets stuck in the lungs, it will cause a pulmonary embolism - a blockage of the arteries of this organ. This complication of Pulmonary embolism is very life-threatening. Therefore, thrombosis should be treated as soon as it is detected.

Konstantin Korshunov, surgeon of the multidisciplinary medical center "Intermed"

Due to thrombosis in the lower extremities, post-thrombophlebitic syndrome can also develop. This is the name of the pathology in which the patient develops severe edema, induration and inflammation on the skin. Over time, this will lead to the formation of leg ulcers.

Who is at risk of getting thrombosis

Almost every. The chances are especially great if you have multiple factors at the same time. Here are the main What is Venous Thromboembolism? of them:

Vein damage caused by fracture, muscle injury, or surgery.
Inactivity, due to which blood flow slows down.
Excess estrogen in the blood. For example, because of birth control pills, hormone therapy, or pregnancy.
Some medical conditions: heart or lung disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, cancer and its treatment period.
Genetics: Someone already had a thrombosis in the family.
Age - the older the person, the higher the risk.
Completeness. Excess weight increases pressure in the veins in the pelvis and legs.
Hereditary bleeding disorders.
Smoking. It has a bad effect on blood circulation.

Those who have already had a thrombosis are also at risk - it may recur.

How to know if you have a thrombosis

More often than not, people are unaware that blood clots are forming in their arteries. But sometimes a blockage of blood vessels can be detected by external signs.

Here are the most common symptoms of Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism, and When to Call the Doctor, Deep vein thrombosis:

edema;
severe pain in the affected area;
warm and reddish skin at the site of the clot formation;
veins are more visible on the skin than usual.

If it is a thrombosis of the legs, then the pain may increase when bending the knee.

When to see a doctor

If symptoms from the list above appear, see a physician as soon as possible. He will refer you to a phlebologist or vascular surgeon if a thrombosis is suspected.

Call an ambulance if, in addition to the symptoms listed, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, cough, excessive sweating, dizziness or fainting appear, or your lips and nails turn blue.

These are the symptoms of Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism, and When to Call the Doctor of pulmonary embolism.

How to treat thrombosis

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will examine you, ask for a blood test, send you for an MRI, computed tomography or phlebography, as well as an ultrasound examination of the vessels. This will help detect clots and understand if they are moving or not.

The doctor will then prescribe Deep Vein Thrombosis blood thinners. You may also need to wear compression stockings. They reduce the pressure inside the veins and help prevent swelling.

In some cases, a special filter may also be placed in the vein that interferes with the movement of the clots. And in especially difficult situations, an operation is required to remove a blood clot - thrombectomy.

Konstantin Korshunov

What to do at home if you have a thrombosis

In addition to taking medications, which must be used as directed by a doctor, you need to change your lifestyle. This will help the body to cope with the disease.

Move more. Walking improves Deep Vein Thrombosis circulation in the affected arteries. This reduces the risk of other blood clots forming.
Keep the affected leg higher when lying down. It reduces Deep Vein Thrombosis pressure in the veins of the calf and improves blood flow. If you are on the couch, use a pillow. And when you are sitting in an armchair, substitute an ottoman or a bench.
Eat right. Eat Everything You Want to Know About Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals. Just do not go on foods that contain a lot of vitamin K: it interferes with medications from thinning the blood. For example, liver, spinach, broccoli and other types of cabbage, onions. The diet should be prescribed by a doctor.
If you want to take any vitamin supplements, talk to your doctor. They may be incompatible with medications.

How to prevent thrombosis

There are not very many preventive measures. Just try not to sit for a long time in one position, walk more Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on foot, do at least some light exercise.

If you have been sitting for a long time, and there is no opportunity to warm up normally (for example, during a trip in the car), make simple movements with your legs - raise your heels and lower them.

Also, experts recommend overweight people to lose weight, and smokers - to quit the bad habit.