Do you know what thrombosis is and how serious this condition is?
According to a survey carried out by the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (SBACV) , on average 113 Brazilians are hospitalized every day in the public health system to treat thrombosis.
Experts are concerned about the situation, considering that the disease can result in more serious problems, such as pulmonary embolism.
Let’s learn a little more about the disease, how it is identified and treated? Keep reading!
What is thrombosis?
Thrombosis is a medical condition that can occur when a blood clot forms inside a blood vessel, affecting the normal flow of blood. This condition can occur in both veins and arteries, with different implications and associated symptoms.
To fully understand what thrombosis is , knowing the causes, warning signs, and treatment options is essential to managing this potentially serious condition.
Causes of thrombosis
Several factors can contribute to the development of thrombosis . One of the main ones is prolonged immobility, such as during long trips or periods of bed rest, which can lead to the so-called “traveler’s syndrome” or the formation of blood clots in the legs.
Injuries to the veins, recent surgeries, underlying medical conditions such as cancer, inflammatory diseases or clotting disorders also increase the risk of thrombosis.
Additionally, certain risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, use of hormonal contraceptives, pregnancy, and advanced age, can increase the likelihood of developing blood clots.
How is the disease identified?
Identifying thrombosis begins with symptoms, which can vary depending on the location and extent of the blood clot. However, some common signs include sudden swelling in one leg, pain or tenderness in the affected area, changes in skin color, and a feeling of warmth.
In cases of arterial thrombosis, symptoms may include chest pain or shortness of breath, especially if the clot has traveled and blocked blood vessels in the lungs. Diagnosis is usually made through imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.
The treatment
Treatment of thrombosis aims to prevent serious complications, such as pulmonary embolism, and reduce the risk of recurrence. Anticoagulant therapy is often prescribed to prevent new clots from forming and to prevent existing ones from growing.
Thrombolytic medications may be used in emergency situations to dissolve blood clots that have already formed. In some cases, especially when there is a contraindication to the use of anticoagulants, placement of an inferior vena cava filter may be considered to prevent the migration of clots to the lungs.
Additionally, compression stockings may be recommended to improve blood flow to the legs and reduce swelling.
The importance of prevention
There are measures that can help reduce the risk of developing thrombosis, especially in high-risk situations, such as during long trips or after surgery.
These measures include moving regularly during long periods of immobility, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, controlling underlying medical conditions, and following your doctor’s instructions for the appropriate use of blood thinners when indicated.
Myths and truths about thrombosis
Now that you know more about what thrombosis is, learn about some of the main questions about the condition and discover what is myth and what is truth.
Is it possible to prevent thrombosis?
True. Prevention depends largely on adopting certain habits, which should be incorporated into your routine. Here are some of these habits:
- practice physical exercises;
- take short walks regularly;
- avoid cigarettes;
- control weight;
- move your legs if you sit for long periods;
- wear elastic stockings (under medical supervision).
Do only women get thrombosis?
Myth: Both men and women can have thrombosis. The difference is that between the ages of 20 and 40, the incidence is slightly higher in women, precisely because of their greater exposure to risk factors, such as contraceptives and pregnancy.
Is pain one of the symptoms of thrombosis?
True. The patient may feel pain in the legs, as the lower limbs are the most common sites of thrombosis. In addition, there may be swelling (edema), redness and local heat.
Can pregnant women develop thrombosis?
True. Pregnancy is a period in which a woman’s body undergoes many changes. As it prepares for childbirth, the body increases the levels of pro-clotting substances in the blood. The result is a six-fold increased risk of thrombosis during pregnancy. In the postpartum period, for approximately 40 days, this risk can be 15 times higher.
Is imaging essential for diagnosing thrombosis?
True. It is essential to perform an imaging method whenever there is clinical suspicion to confirm and locate the clot.
Duplex scanning is an examination that can diagnose thrombosis. It is the combination of a Doppler examination and a two-dimensional anatomical ultrasound image.
Like the Doppler effect, the test allows the visualization of the inside of veins and arteries through sound waves emitted into the bloodstream. With this analysis, the doctor can diagnose arterial and venous thrombosis.