Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of clots in the blood, which cause obstruction of the vein, preventing the return of the deep venous system and hindering blood flow.
The leg veins are the most frequent site of thrombus formation, however, pelvic veins can also be the origin of this pathology.
What are the main risk factors?
There are multiple risk factors that favor thrombus formation, including the following:
- Age, those over 60 years old are more prone.
- Prolonged immobilization situations (long-distance air travel, recent surgery).
- Heart disease (congestive heart failure…).
- Use of contraceptives.
- Pregnancy and childbirth.
- Family history of thrombosis.
- Cancer.
- Permanent catheters.
- History of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary thromboembolism.
- Thrombophilias.
- Venous compression (May-Thurner syndrome…).
- Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, among others.
Who is usually affected?
Deep vein thrombosis can affect anyone, however, those who coexist with several risk factors will be more vulnerable. It is important to take into account age, being more prone to those over 60 years old, patients who are in a situation of prolonged rest, use of hormone therapy or in states of hypercoagulability such as pregnancy, active cancer, thrombophilias. These are relevant factors independent of age.
Can thrombosis be prevented?
In some situations it can be prevented, for example, in patients who are in situations that require rest due to decreased or ceased mobility after surgery, indicating anticoagulation prevents thrombus formation.
However, in other cases it is inevitable since thrombosis occurs spontaneously, in these circumstances a thorough study should be performed to rule out other diseases such as thrombophilias or undiagnosed cancer.
Are there always complications with thrombosis?
Complications will not develop in all cases of thrombosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing them.
The most feared complication is pulmonary thromboembolism, which is the migration of thrombi to the lungs, a serious situation that puts the patient’s life at risk.
Another complication of thrombosis occurs when the diagnosis is late and can become chronic, leading to post-thrombotic syndrome, which causes destruction of the venous valves and results in severe venous insufficiency that can trigger swelling/edema, ulcerations and new episodes of thrombosis.