A dangerous medical disorder that can have serious and life-threatening effects is thrombosis, also referred to as a blood clot. Normal blood flow is disrupted when a blood clot forms inside a blood vessel. Serious side effects from this illness can include heart attacks, strokes, organ damage, and in rare circumstances, even death. Since thrombosis is currently the third most common cause of death in developed nations, it is a serious health concern that needs to be recognised and treated quickly.
The development of a thrombus, or blood clot, inside a blood vessel is referred to as thrombosis. In order to stop bleeding after an injury, blood clots are crucial to the body’s natural healing process. On the other hand, a clot that forms in the incorrect place or without an injury can impede blood flow and cause serious health issues. Venous thrombosis and arterial thrombosis are the two main forms of thrombosis.
Blood clots in veins can lead to venous thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which usually affects the legs, is the most prevalent example. DVT can be especially risky because clots might rupture and go to the lungs, where they can result in a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism (PE). When clots develop in the arteries, arterial thrombosis happens. Arterial thrombosis can result in major issues like a heart attack (when a clot stops blood flow to the heart) or stroke (when a clot stops blood flow to the brain), because arteries transport oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Although thrombosis can happen for a number of causes, there are a number of risk factors that raise the possibility of getting it. Long-term immobility, heredity, age, obesity, smoking, certain medical problems, hormonal variables, and surgical operations are some of the common causes and risk factors. Blood flow can be decreased by prolonged sitting or laying down, such as during lengthy flights, bed rest, or surgery, which facilitates the formation of clots.
Some people are predisposed to irregular clotting due to genetic diseases like prothrombin gene mutation or Factor V Leiden. As people age, their risk of thrombosis rises, particularly for those over 60. Obesity and excess weight can put more strain on the veins, increasing the risk of blood clots. Smoking raises the risk of blood clot development and destroys blood vessels.
Thrombosis risk factors include diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. Hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy, and birth control pills can all alter blood coagulation and raise the risk of thrombosis. Due to immobility and vascular damage, major procedures, particularly those involving the pelvis or lower limbs, can raise the risk of blood clots.
Early detection and treatment of thrombosis depend on the ability to recognise its symptoms. Depending on where the clot is located, symptoms can vary, but typical ones include one leg feeling swollen or red, pain or tender, especially when standing or walking, a heaviness in the afflicted leg, and warmth or discolouration of the skin for DVT.
Pulmonary embolism symptoms include sudden dyspnoea, chest pain (particularly while coughing or breathing hard), a fast heartbeat, blood in the cough, and lightheadedness or fainting. The signs of arterial thrombosis (heart attack or stroke) include sudden confusion, difficulty walking, or loss of balance (for the stroke), numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body (for the stroke), and chest pain, tightness, or discomfort (for the heart attack). If you encounter any of these symptoms, it’s critical to get medical help right away because thrombosis can worsen rapidly and cause potentially fatal consequences.
Doctors usually do a physical examination and may prescribe a number of tests, including as blood tests, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds, to diagnose thrombosis. The most used technique for detecting DVT is ultrasound. It creates a picture of the blood arteries and looks for clots using sound waves. MRIs or CT scans can be used to detect clots in the brain (stroke) or lungs (pulmonary embolism). The D-dimer test is one blood test that can be used to identify irregular clotting in the body.
Following a diagnosis, thrombolytics, compression stockings, anticoagulants (blood thinners), and, in rare instances, surgery are frequently used to treat thrombosis. Drugs like warfarin and heparin are used to lower the risk of problems and stop more clotting. In extreme situations, clots may be broken apart with medicines. Compression stockings aid in improving blood flow and reducing oedema in DVT. Rarely, a clot may need to be removed surgically, or a filter may need to be inserted into the veins to stop clots from getting to the lungs.
It is crucial to prevent thrombosis, particularly in high-risk patients. Keeping active, avoiding extended periods of immobility, controlling weight and medical conditions, stopping smoking, and taking medicine as directed are some preventive strategies. Frequent exercise can lower the risk of clot formation and increase circulation. It’s crucial to take pauses on lengthy flights or road trips to walk about. If you are recuperating from surgery, move and exercise as directed by your physician.
The risk can be decreased by controlling diabetes, maintaining a healthy weight, and doing as your doctor advises when it comes to treating other illnesses. One of the best strategies to lower the risk of blood clots is to quit smoking. To lower the chance of clot formation, doctors may prescribe blood thinners or other drugs to people who have a high risk of thrombosis.
If not identified and treated quickly, thrombosis is a dangerous illness that can change a person’s life. People can seek prompt medical assistance by being aware of the signs of thrombosis, which include discomfort, swelling, and dyspnoea. We can reduce the risks of blood clots and protect our health by being aware of the risk factors, taking preventative action, and getting the right care. To lessen the effects of thrombosis and enhance the prognosis of individuals afflicted by this potentially lethal illness, awareness and early detection are essential.
