Thrombosis is a blockage of a blood vessel caused by a blood clot, which can occur in veins and arteries. It can lead to serious complications like heart attack and stroke. Causes include disease, immobility, and blood disorders. Symptoms include pain and swelling. Treatment options include blood thinning medications and catheter insertion.
Thrombosis is a medical term that refers to a blockage of a blood vessel caused by a blood clot, called a thrombus. Blood clots can form in both veins and arteries of the body. When a blood clot blocks a vein, it is called venous thrombosis, and blockage of an artery is known as arterial thrombosis. This can be a serious condition, especially when the blockage occurs in one of the heart’s two main arteries. The condition can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other life-threatening complications.
There are several types of thrombosis relevant to the type and location of the obstruction. Examples are deep vein thrombosis (DVT), renal vein thrombosis, cerebral vein thrombosis and coronary thrombosis. A blood clot, caused by blood clotting to form a jelly-like lump inside a vessel, can occur anywhere in the body. Complications occur when a blood clot blocks the normal flow of blood through vessels, and when a blood clot breaks off and begins traveling through the body.
There are several causes of blood clots. Disease or injury to a vein, immobility, blood disorders, certain medications, and various diseases, including arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries are common causes. Similarly, people who are predisposed to blood clots, whether due to hereditary conditions or medical conditions, are at a higher risk of this condition. Lifestyle habits, such as smoking and obesity, can also be a contributing factor.
Symptoms may present differently in different people, but may include calf or thigh pain, tenderness, or discomfort, swelling, and recurring blood clots. A doctor can diagnose a blockage with a collection of physical exams and medical history, blood tests, and diagnostic tests. It is important to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, as well as any you may have recently taken, and to discuss any known medical conditions and hereditary diseases.
If your doctor diagnoses blockage of a vessel or blood clots, treatment will be necessary and will depend on the extent, type, and location of the blockage. Some of the treatment options your doctor may discuss include blood thinning medications, medications or treatments to dissolve the clot, or inserting a catheter. People taking anticoagulant medications, also called blood thinners, should always disclose this information to their doctors and other medical personnel, including their dentist and pharmacist before having any procedure or treatment or taking a new medication.
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