A thrombosis is a condition caused by the formation of a blood clot, or thrombus, inside a blood vessel, which reduces blood flow in the affected region. It can be arterial or venous, depending on the region of the body in which the clot is formed, and is intimately related to acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accidents (or strokes) and embolism pulmonary.
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Summary about thrombosis
- Thrombosis is a condition caused by the formation of a blood clot in a blood vessel, which decreases blood flow. of blood in the region.
- It can be arterial or venous.
- Arterial thrombosis is related to cases of myocardial infarction and strokes.
- Venous thrombosis is related to cases of pulmonary embolism.
- High blood pressure, diabetes, physical inactivity and smoking are some of the risk factors that lead to thrombosis.
- It can be completely asymptomatic, however, when present, the main symptoms are pain and swelling in the affected region.
- It can only be diagnosed by a doctor and through clinical examinations.
- It is a condition that has a cure and whose treatment involves, among other strategies, the use of anticoagulant medications.
- Regular exercise and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption are among the main forms of prevention.
What is thrombosis?
Thrombosis is a condition caused by the formation of a clot, or thrombus, inside a blood vessel. This clot causes obstruction of the blood vessel and, consequently, a reduction in blood flow, which makes it more difficult for blood to circulate to some parts of the body.
Types of thrombosis
Thrombosis can be venous or arterial, depending on which region of the blood circulation it affects.
→ Arterial thrombosis
Arterial thrombosis develops in the arterial circulation, which transports oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to other parts of the body.
Arterial thrombosis represents the main cause of death in Brazil and the world, since the formation of clots in the arteries is related to acute myocardial infarction, to the cerebrovascular accidents (or strokes) and chronic arterial obstructive disease, which leads to reduced blood flow in the extremities of the lower limbs.
→ Venous thrombosis
Venous thrombosis develops in the venous circulation, which transports blood poor in oxygen and rich in carbon dioxide from the body's tissues back to the lungs.
Venous thrombosis comprises deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), which, although less frequent than arterial thrombosis, also generate sequelae and limitations, and are also causes of mortality.
Causes of thrombosis
→ Causes of arterial thrombosis
- Formation of fissures in atherosclerotic plaques present in arteries: atherosclerotic plaques are formed by an accumulation of fats on the walls of the arteries. Small fissures in this region induce the blood clotting process and, consequently, the formation of clots that prevent normal blood flow in the arteries.
- Clot movement: a clot that was formed in another location can migrate to an artery of smaller caliber, that is, narrower. This process generates the condition called embolism, which leads to the impediment of the passage of blood through the artery and, consequently, the interruption of the distribution of oxygen to the body's tissues, causing the death of these fabrics.
→ Causes of venous thrombosis
- Clot formation: One of the main causes of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of clots, especially in the lower limbs, which impede blood circulation.
- Detachment and migration of a clot: Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is generally caused by the detachment of a clot developed in a blood vessel in the lower limbs that migrates to the lungs through the circulation. This clot leads to intense obstruction of blood flow in the lung region, causing shortness of breath and a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to fatal complications.
Also access: Atherosclerosis — a health problem that causes reduced blood flow and hardening of the arteries
Thrombosis risk factors
Among the risk factors that can lead to thrombosis are those that can intensify the accumulation of fat in the blood arteries, such as:
- arterial hypertension;
- diabetes;
- obesity;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- stress;
- smoking.
For cases of venous thrombosis, the following are also important risk factors:
- remain without moving for long periods, as in the case of long trips;
- use of estrogens;
- after surgeries;
- cancer;
- obesity;
- smoking.
It is also worth noting that both arterial thrombosis and venous thrombosis can also be triggered by genetic factors.
Symptoms of thrombosis
Thrombosis can be completely asymptomatic, that is, without the manifestation of any type of symptom. However, when symptoms are present, they are usually:
- pain;
- swelling;
- increase in temperature in the affected region;
- the affected region becomes dark red or purplish;
- hardening of the skin and muscles in the affected region.
Diagnosis of thrombosis
The diagnosis of thrombosis is done by a doctor and through clinical examinations based on the symptoms presented. These exams include: blood tests, ultrasound, venography, Eco Color Doppler (vascular ultrasound), tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Is thrombosis curable?
Yes, thrombosis has a cure. In most cases, patients recover completely after receiving appropriate treatment. To this end, it is essential that medical monitoring is carried out, regardless of the severity of the condition, so that the situation is controlled and does not evolve into more serious cases.
Thrombosis treatment
The treatment of thrombosis aims to prevent the clot from increasing in size, preventing the clot from moving to other regions of the body and reducing the chances of thrombosis recurring. This can be achieved with:
- use of anticoagulant and blood thinning medications, which prevent the increase and appearance of new clots;
- use of specific medications for more serious cases, such as those involving pulmonary embolism;
- insertion of filters in specific veins that prevent the clot from moving to the lungs or other regions of the body;
- use of compression stockings to reduce edema caused by thrombosis.
Thrombosis prevention
The best way to prevent thrombosis is to be well informed about its causes and consequences and avoid risk factors that increase its chances of occurrence. In this sense, some of the ways to prevent thrombosis are:
- practice physical exercise regularly;
- avoid smoking and alcohol consumption;
- avoid excessive increase in body weight;
- maintain a balanced diet;
- drink water;
- use elastic stockings in case of venous insufficiency, always following your doctor's instructions.
Sources
Unicamp Blood Center. Venous and arterial thrombosis. Unicamp Blood Center, c2018. Available in: https://www.hemocentro.unicamp.br/doencas-de-sangue/tromboses-venenosas-e-arteriais/.
USP Journal. Thrombosis is a serious and little-known health problem. USP Journal, 2017. Available in: https://jornal.usp.br/atualidades/trombose-e-problema-de-saude-grave-e-pouco-conhecido/.
Ministry of Health. Thrombosis. Ministry of Health, [n.d.]. Available in: https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/assuntos/saude-de-a-a-z/t/trombose.