Index
1. What is thrombosis?
2. What are the symptoms?
3. Causes of thrombosis or why does it occur?
4. Can it be prevented?
5. What is the treatment?
What is thrombosis?
Thrombosis (thrombotic disease) is a disorder that involves the formation of thrombi or clots in the circulatory system. They can be arterial or venous thrombi.
Many diseases are associated with this phenomenon, which can affect any internal organ or the general circulation. It implies a lack of circulation (blood supply) that damages the organs, such as: cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction, venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, among others.
There are external and genetic risk factors that predispose to this disease, which makes it necessary to carry out an in-depth study in order to prescribe the most effective treatment. Because it involves several systems, the Internal Medicine specialist is the appropriate one to evaluate the patient.
A venous thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot inside a vein, which may be due to a problem of hypercoagulability, lesions of the vessel wall or a problem of stasis (stagnation) of the blood.
There are two types of thrombosis: phlebothrombosis and thrombophlebitis. The first consists of the formation of a clot inside the vein, without inflammation but with a great capacity for detachment, since it is poorly attached to the vessel wall. In the case of thrombophlebitis, it is usually attached to the vein wall.
What are the symptoms?
Phlebothrombosis usually affects the deep venous system and can even lead to pulmonary embolism. Thrombophlebitis manifests clinically as a hard, palpable cord with pain, warmth and redness in the area of the affected vessel.
Causes of thrombosis or why it occurs
The causes of thrombosis are known as Virchow’s triad and consist of a decrease in the speed of blood flow caused for example by a splint, a major dehydration or when we are at rest. On the other hand, certain lesions in the vascular wall may be caused by surgery, injury or inflammation. Finally, the cause may be an increased tendency to blood clotting which may occur for example when the concentration of clotting agents and the dissolution of clots increases due to certain drugs.
Can it be prevented?
The occurrence of thrombosis can be prevented by controlling the normal flow of the blood stream and avoiding the formation of clots. Therefore, in certain cases, such as after surgery or when a person remains bedridden for a long period of time, the administration of subcutaneous heparin or oral anticoagulants is recommended. In general, it is recommended to drink large quantities of water and to perform exercises to contract the leg muscles and thus stimulate venous return.
What is the treatment?
Treatment in this case is usually based on anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics. In patients in whom the thrombosis affects the deep venous system of the leg (deep vein thrombosis), emergency hospitalization is required because if it dislodges it can cause a heart attack, stroke or pulmonary embolism.