Thrombosis is the formation of blood clots in blood vessels. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can lead to pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening. Thrombosis and embolism can also cause stroke and kidney problems. Risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and smoking. Treatment involves medication and lifestyle changes.
Thrombosis is the formation of a thrombus, or blood clot, in blood vessels such as arteries or veins. The connection between thrombosis and embolism is that sometimes a thrombus can break away from its site and travel to a different location in the body. This thrombus is commonly referred to as an emboli. When an embolism lodges and blocks a blood vessel, an embolism is said to have occurred.
In deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the deep veins in the leg can develop clots due to several factors. These include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and prolonged immobilization due to hospitalization or leg trauma. DVT is often not alarming, but when a clot is dislodged from the vein in the leg and travels to the lungs, a pulmonary embolism can occur.
Pulmonary embolism can become a life-threatening situation when a large blood vessel in the lung becomes blocked, causing lung tissue to die. This is why deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are often associated with each other. Treatment for a pulmonary embolism commonly involves giving oxygen and anticoagulant drugs, also called blood thinners.
In addition to the legs, clots can also start in other areas of the body and lodge in the smaller blood vessels of the brain and kidneys. When thrombosis and embolism occur in the brain, the result is often a stroke. Stroke occurs because blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to certain parts of the brain are blocked by emboli or made narrowed by thrombosis. Brain tissue may eventually die, leading to stroke symptoms. Symptoms include speech problems and paralysis affecting mainly one side of the body.
Blood vessels in the kidneys can also be affected by thrombosis and embolism, often leading to long-term kidney problems and even kidney failure. Patients with kidney problems usually experience vomiting, pain on the side of the abdomen, and nausea. Urine volume may also decrease and urine may contain blood.
Hypertension and diabetes usually increase an individual’s risk of developing thrombosis and embolism. Other factors include obesity and high blood cholesterol levels. Treatment for thrombosis and embolism often involves medications that can keep the blood from clotting. Lifestyle changes are also often encouraged, such as exercising regularly, maintaining an ideal weight, quitting smoking, and eating more nutritious foods.
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