Thrombosis

Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms and prevents the proper flow of blood through your circulatory system. There are two primary types of thrombosis: venous and arterial. Thrombosis can be deadly. 

Blood clotting is the way your body defends itself against excessive bleeding. When you are injured, your body’s clotting system creates a plug to protect your body against losing too much blood. Your body generally breaks down the clot after your body has healed. However, sometimes blood clots don’t dissolve after an injury. Sometimes, blood clots may also form inappropriately. 

There are two medical terms used to describe blood clots:

• Thrombosis: This is when a blood clot forms in your blood vessel.
• Embolus or Embolism: This occurs when a blood clot detaches and travels through blood vessels to a different part of the body. 

There are two different kinds of thrombosis:

• Venous thrombosis is also referred to as venous thromboembolism (VTE). This is a blood clot in a vein that can carry the clot to your heart. Veins take blood from the body back to your heart. 
• Arterial thrombosis is when a blood clot enters an artery. Arteries take oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of your body. Arterial thrombosis is serious because an arterial blood clot can block blood flow to the heart and brain, resulting in a stroke or heart attack. 

Many things can cause venous thrombosis: 

• Certain medicines
• A broken bone
• Disease or injury to the leg veins
• Autoimmune disorders that make your blood more likely to clot
• Inherited disorders
• Immobility for any reason
• Obesity

The hardening of your arteries causes arterial thrombosis, also known as arteriosclerosis. Your arteries harden due to calcium and fatty deposits, resulting in the build-up of plaque in the artery walls. 

The plaque in the artery walls can rupture, resulting in a blood clot. An arterial thrombosis happens in the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscles, leading to a stroke. When arterial thrombosis occurs in the arteries that supply blood to the brain, it can lead to a stroke. 

Many of the risk factors for venous and arterial thrombosis are similar. Here are some of the top risk factors for thrombosis. 

• Diabetes
• Smoking 
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Lack of activity
• Obesity
• Poor diet
• Lack of movement
• Old age
• Family history

A few risk factors specifically for venous thrombosis include: 

• A history of deep vein thrombosis
• Hormone therapy or birth control pills
• Pregnancy
• Vein injury
• Inherited blood clotting disorders
• Central venous catheter
• Health conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, cancer, heart disease, and lung disease

With thrombosis, the symptoms may vary based on the type of thrombosis and its location in your body. Symptoms may include:

• Swelling in an arm or leg
• Pain in one leg, usually located in the inner thigh or calf
• Numbness or weakness concentrated on one side of the body
• Chest pain
• Sudden mental state changes

These symptoms are very similar to other heart and blood disorders, which is why you should consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

With thrombosis, in addition to a physical exam and taking your medical history, your cardiologist may order other tests, including: 

• Blood tests
• Venography
• MRI, MRA, or CT scan
• Ultrasound

These tests are all designed to check your blood flow, identify where a clot is located, and see how your blood clots. 

Depending on your age, overall health history, and lifestyle, there is a wide range of ways to treat thrombosis. 

Common treatments include: 

• Blood-thinning medications, known as anticoagulants
• Catheters to widen the impacted blood vessels
• Medicines to dissolve blood clots
• Wire mesh stents to keep the blood vessels open

Some of the best ways to reduce your risk of thrombosis are by leading an active life. Movement is key to avoiding blood clots. Additionally, quitting smoking and losing weight can help reduce your risk of thrombosis. 

If you have other health problems, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, adequately managing those conditions can help reduce your risk of thrombosis. 

At Sydnor Cardiovascular Center, we provide expert care for people with all types of cardiac concerns. Entrust your heart health to Dr. Ahiable and our team at Sydnor Cardiovascular Center.

To schedule an appointment, call us at 727-300-2282 or request an appointment online.