The contents
Types of thrombosis
Thrombosis – symptoms
Thrombosis – causes. How thrombosis occurs?
Thrombosis – diagnosis
Thrombosis, or venous thrombosis (common: phlebitis), is a disease that can occur in various forms, such as deep vein thrombosis, superficial vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism. The thrombosis symptoms usually go unnoticed and usually can be concerned about: leg pain while walking, swelling of legs, redness of skin, tachycardia, fever, in the event of thrombosis of the lungs: shortness of breath and chest pain. Medforum find out who is at risk of thrombosis? How to diagnose and treat this problem? What are the first symptoms of thrombosis?
Types of thrombosis
To understand what to expect from this disease, it is important to understand what types of thrombosis are. Yes, thrombosis can be different and should be distinguished.
Thrombosis may occur as:
•deep vein thrombosis – often clots in the lower extremities (deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs);
•thrombosis of superficial veins is thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins frequently occurs with varicose veins of the lower extremities;
•pulmonary embolism is a clinical condition that can occur as a result of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism – is a narrowing or occlusion of pulmonary artery;
•thrombosis of hepatic veins syndrome Budd-Chiari (BCS); a condition in which blood coagulates in the veins of the liver.
Thrombosis – symptoms
How to understand that you have a thrombosis and not something else?The symptoms of thrombosis depend on the form of the disease.
Deep vein thrombosis – symptoms:
•pain in the legs when walking;
•swelling of the legs (frequent: oedema of ankles, swelling of the hip);
•hot skin at the site of inflammation (fever);
•touch causes pain and a feeling of warmth;
•pain in the legs when pressure;
•pain in the legs when tapped;
Thrombosis of superficial veins symptoms
The disease coexists with varicose veins of the lower extremities.
•noticeable thickening on the skin;
•swelling of the legs;
Attention! If not treated, superficial phlebitis can lead to inflammation of the deep veins and further development of thrombosis. This is very dangerous and you should consult a doctor if you had more than two symptoms.
Pulmonary embolism – symptoms
•shortness of breath;
•cyanosis of the body;
•chest pain;
•dry, stuffy cough;
•hemoptysis;
•tachycardia (rapid heartbeat);
•fever and sweating;
•loss of consciousness.
Attention! Pulmonary embolism is an immediate life threatening in extreme cases it can cause sudden cardiac arrest and death, requiring urgent medical intervention.
Thrombosis of hepatic veins – symptoms
•an enlarged liver;
•ascites;
•stomach pain, nausea;
•swelling of the legs;
•enlargement of the spleen.
Thrombosis – causes. How thrombosis occurs?
Thrombosis– venous thromboembolism. In the course of thrombosis in the veins appear clots. Blood clots yet not life-threatening – in the first phase of thrombosis a clot usually adheres to the vessel wall, but some cases of large or smaller pieces might come off.
The resulting thrombosis can cause shock or sudden stopping of circulation and respiration, and means instant death. Therefore it is impossible to underestimate the thrombosis, which is asymptomatic in half of the cases.
Thrombosis – risk factors
•a sedentary lifestyle;
•constant work;
•age (often people older than 60 years);
•lack of physical activity;
•overweight and obesity;
•too tight clothing;
•sitting in the “leg on leg”;
•diabetes,
•cardio-vascular diseases (varicose veins, excessive blood clotting);
•rheumatism;
•neoplastic diseases;
•the use of oral contraceptives;
•unhealthy eating habits (read more about healthy eating);
•stimulants (cigarettes, alcohol, coffee).
The risk of thrombosis can be investigated using the medical history – assessment of the probability of DVT wells.
Thrombosis during pregnancy – why the risk of thrombosis during pregnancy?
During pregnancy there is a higher risk of venous thrombosis, particularly for women who used oral contraceptives before becoming pregnant. The risk of thrombosis during pregnancy depends on factors such as: hormonal changes, increased pressure on the iliac veins and the pressure of the uterus on the organs.
The development of a fetus increases the pressure on the iliac veins – that’s why thrombosis during pregnancy often develops in the lower-thigh.
Thrombosis – diagnosis
To rule out other diseases (e.g., heart failure or hypertension), in addition to the detailed history you perform:
•Doppler-ultrasound;
•Magnetic resonance;
•Contrast venography;
•Physical examination.
The symptoms of thrombosis are not typical, so the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis is a big problem.
A significant portion of cases, thrombosis is not treated due to difficulties with access to the deep venous system ultrasonic (Doppler examination) to socialized health care. The problem also lies in the inability to determine the blood concentration of the so-called D-dimer. Physical therapy is often overlooked not thrombotic chronic venous insufficiency resulting from deep vein thrombosis associated with venous stasis, decreased venous obstruction, skin lesions and ulcerations. This worsens the patient’s quality of life.
Thrombosis – treatment
If left untreated, the thrombosis leads to post-thrombotic syndrome, manifested by brown spots on the skin of the legs or feet ulcers, a complication of pulmonary embolism, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
In the treatment of thrombosis with anticoagulants, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs used injections of heparin.
Thrombosis – treatment at home
Patients with thrombosis may use compression socks and special tights. Proper prevention and compliance with doctor’s recommendations may reduce the risk of complications.
Can help: regular physical activity, activities in the pool, Smoking cessation, limiting alcohol consumption, proper balanced diet in case of obesity and overweight – lose those extra pounds.
Previously, scientists told of the fatal thrombosis in sedentary work and physical inactivity.