Thrombosis

What is Thrombosis?

Thrombosis is the medical term for the formation of a blood clot. Clots can occur inside a vein, artery or organ, and can cause a range of medical issues if left untreated. In the case of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot typically forms in a leg or arm vein. While it may not present itself with any external symptoms, it can be very dangerous if the clot travels and blocks a major artery.

What Are the Symptoms of Thrombosis?

Depending on the location of the clot, thrombosis can cause a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms of DVT include:

• Swelling of the affected limb
• Pain in the affected limb
• Tenderness and/or warmth in the affected area
• Red or discoloured skin

What Are the Causes of Thrombosis?

There are numerous underlying factors that can cause thrombosis. Some of the most common causes include:

• Immobility: Sitting in one place for a long time, such as during extensive air travel, increases the risk of developing a clot.
• Injury or surgery: Damage to a vein can make it more prone to developing a clot.
• Certain medications: Blood thinners such as heparin can increase blood clot risk.
• Contraceptives: Oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy can increase the risk of developing a clot.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the pressure of the growing baby on blood vessels can restrict blood flow which can lead to clot formation.

How is Thrombosis Treated?

Depending on the severity of the condition, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following treatments:

• Anticoagulants: Medicines such as warfarin and heparin can help stop the body from forming more clots and reduce the risk of the existing clot from becoming bigger.
• Thrombolysis: A procedure in which a medication is injected into the affected area to break up existing clots.
• Vena Cava Filters: A metal cage that is inserted into the vena cava to catch blood clots before they reach the heart or lungs.